KR102379813B1 - User interface devices for industrial vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

A display and processing device in an industrial vehicle is provided. The processing device may include: a screen display; a memory storing executable instructions; and a processor in communication with a memory, the processor comprising: defining one or more widgets, each widget comprising a visual representation of a current state of an associated function of the industrial vehicle; configured to control the display of a Select Rack Height (RHS) widget on a portion of a screen display defining the above widget spaces, the RHS widget comprising a portion that changes state when an associated vehicle function is completed when executing executable instructions do.

Description

User interface devices for industrial vehicles

The present invention relates to electronic systems for use in industrial vehicles that interact with and provide information to a vehicle operator via a graphical user interface.

Industrial vehicles, such as forklifts and other material handling trucks, often require a vehicle operator to access and view programmed information into the truck, enter new information, and view images from onboard cameras. It has a user interface that allows it to perform functions. When entering or accessing information, an operator may be required to scroll or click a large amount of information across multiple screens or scroll through multiple options within a menu. Also, operators working in cold environments, such as freezers, typically have to wear gloves, which increases the difficulty of navigating through multiple screens and menus.

Various aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure provide for a material handling vehicle to spend excessive time scrolling, clicking, or reviewing large amounts of information to locate information required for viewing on a vehicle user interface screen during operation of the vehicle. It deals with various technical issues related to the demands on the operator of The present disclosure provides a first technical aspect that involves detecting activation of an icon corresponding to a widget, and, in response to detecting activation of one icon, automatically moving the corresponding widget to a designated widget space for operator use. provide a solution Therefore, the operator does not need to manually navigate through multiple widgets, find the desired widget and move it to the screen display as the desired widget is automatically moved to the screen upon activation of the corresponding icon. Another technical solution involves detecting activation of an icon corresponding to the widget, and in response to detecting activation of the one icon, allowing a first menu portion of the one widget to be displayed. Therefore, the operator can access the menu part of one widget when needed and required upon activation of the corresponding icon and unintentional access to or appearance of the menu part is prevented when the corresponding icon is not activated. . A further technical solution involves changing the state of a part of the widget, such as the outline of the widget, when a vehicle function is completed, for example when the carriage assembly reaches a desired height, which This is advantageous as it provides the operator with a quick and unambiguous confirmation that the function has been executed successfully. Another technical solution is to detect activation of an icon corresponding to the widget and, in response, move the widget to a predefined widget space, predefined in response to an operator command to move the widget away from the widget space. It involves moving the widget from the widget space and automatically moving the widget back to the predefined widget space in response to a command related to vehicle operation. This solution allows the operator to view another widget for additional information, but to allow the operator to automatically return the widget corresponding to the activated icon to the predefined widget space in response to a command related to vehicle operation. It provides a flexible user interface to move the widget corresponding to the activated icon away from the space, thereby eliminating the need for the operator to manually move the widget corresponding to the viewed and activated icon back to the predefined widget space, so that the operator time to save Other technical problems and corresponding solutions are presented herein.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a display and processing device for an industrial vehicle is provided. The display and processing device includes a screen display, such as a touch screen display that receives gesture commands from a vehicle operator, a memory that stores executable instructions, and a processor in communication with the memory. the processor defines a plurality of widgets when executing the executable instructions, each widget comprising a visual representation of a current state of an associated function of the industrial vehicle; control or cause display of a subset of the plurality of widgets on a portion of a defining screen display, control or cause display of an icon tray or icon row on a screen display comprising one or more icons; configured, wherein at least one of the one or more icons corresponds to each one of the plurality of widgets.

the processor is configured to, when executing the executable instructions in an exemplary embodiment, define the icon tray as a separate part of a screen display in the plurality of widget spaces, the icon tray being spaced from the plurality of widget spaces do. The processor may be configured to, when executing the executable instructions, lock one of the plurality of widgets at a location within a locked widget space upon activation of an icon corresponding to the one widget. The widget may be spaced away from the corresponding icon. the processor, when executing the executable instructions, detects activation of an icon corresponding to a widget, and, in response to detecting the activation, automatically moves the one widget into the locked widget space and causes the sub may be configured to shift one or more widgets remaining in the set into one or more remaining widget spaces. The processor may be configured to, when executing the executable instructions, shift the position of one or more of the widgets of the subset on the touch screen display after detection of the gesture command on the touch screen display.

When the processor executes the executable instructions, when a widget is displayed in one of a plurality of widget spaces on the screen display and a first menu portion of the one widget is activated by a vehicle operator, the plurality of widgets control or cause the display of a first menu associated with one of the In some specific embodiments, the first menu may include a list, sidebar, or scroll wheel, wherein the display of options in the first menu is a tap gesture, a swipe gesture, a slide gesture on the touch screen display. , or by one of the rotation gestures.

In some embodiments of this and any further aspect of the invention as described herein, the options in the first menu have a different color and may be color-coded.

In some embodiments, the first menu portion of a widget may be activated by the vehicle operator touching or selecting the first menu portion. In some specific embodiments, the processor may be configured to, when executing the executable instructions, define a plurality of sub-menus, each sub-menu corresponding to a particular option in the first menu, wherein one The sub-menu of may be displayed on the screen display after a corresponding option in the first menu is selected and the sub-menu portion of the one widget is activated.

The processor may be configured to, when executing the executable instructions, also color code at least a portion of one sub-menu using the same color associated with a corresponding option in the first menu. In some embodiments, one or more of the first menu or the sub-menus may be displayed within one widget. In other embodiments, the first menu or one or more of the sub-menus may be displayed in a separate window that temporarily overlaps one or more of the widget spaces. In further embodiments, the processor may be configured to define a widget as a rack height select (RHS) widget when executing the executable instructions, wherein the RHS widget is a workspace defining a first menu. a zone menu, wherein the workspace zone menu includes a plurality of workspace zones, each workspace zone having a corresponding sub-menu comprising a plurality of stored rack heights associated with the workspace zone. It is also contemplated that the first menu may include parameters or categories other than the zone. For example, the first menu may include a list of racks designated by type, name and/or number. In some specific embodiments, at least a portion of the visual depiction of each workspace region includes a different color, and at least a portion of the visual depiction of each corresponding sub-menu includes the same color as the associated workspace region.

When the processor executes the executable instructions, the processor defines one of the plurality of widgets as a rack height selection (RHS) widget including a workspace area selection portion defining a first menu portion, and a load presence indicator. wherein the rack height selection portion defines a sub-menu portion. In some specific embodiments, the processor, when executing the executable instructions, controls or causes display of the RHS widget in one of the widget spaces, a particular workspace area and a particular storage rack associated with the particular workspace area. be configured to detect selection of a height, wherein after selection of a specific workspace zone and a specific storage rack height, the workspace zone selection portion includes an identifier of the selected specific workspace zone. In some embodiments, the rack height selection portion may include an identifier of the particular selected storage rack height. In embodiments, the load presence indicator may include a visual indication of the presence or absence of a detected load. In some particular embodiments, the processor, when executing the executable instructions, may be configured to ignore an indication of the absence of a load detected upon activation of the load presence indicator by the vehicle operator.

In some embodiments, the display and processing device may further comprise a vehicle network system coupling the processor to at least one vehicle network bus, wherein the processor includes a current position of the carriage assembly and a current sensed load. extract the weight. When the processor executes the executable instructions, the processor may define one of a plurality of widgets as a capacity data monitoring (CDM) widget comprising a current position of the carriage assembly and a visual representation of a current sensed load weight. .

In some embodiments, the display and processing device may include a vehicle operator control section comprising one or more physical input control elements, wherein the one or more physical input control elements are used to make selections on the screen display. In some specific embodiments, the one or more physical input control elements may include at least one of a five-button control, a rotary control knob, a trigger switch on a multifunction control handle, or a trigger switch on an armrest. there is.

The processor determines if the speed of the vehicle is below a threshold speed when executing the executable instructions, and determines on the touch screen display of the subset on the touch screen display if the speed of the vehicle is below the threshold speed and after detection of a gesture command on the touch screen display. It may be configured to change one or more of the widgets.

The processor may be configured to move one of the plurality of widgets to a predefined widget space upon activation of an icon corresponding to the one widget when executing the executable instructions.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a display and processing device is provided. The display and processing device includes a screen display, a memory that stores executable instructions, and a processor in communication with the memory. When the processor executes the executable instructions, it defines a plurality of widgets, wherein each widget includes a visual representation of a current state of an associated function, defining the plurality of widgets, and defining a plurality of widget spaces. controlling or causing display of a subset of the plurality of widgets on a portion of a screen display that at least one of the one or more icons controls or causes the display, corresponding to each one of a plurality of widgets, to be displayed, detects activation of one of the one or more icons corresponding to one widget, the one icon in response to detecting activation of , lock each widget at a location in one of the widget spaces.

When the processor executes the executable instructions, in response to detecting activation of an icon, automatically moves a widget to the locked widget space and moves one or more remaining widgets in a subset to the one or more remaining widgets. It can be configured to shift to widget spaces in which it is located.

It should be understood that optional features of the first aspect of the invention are to be considered optional features of the second aspect of the invention, unless those features are expressly incompatible therewith.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a display and processing device for an industrial vehicle is provided. The processing device includes a screen display, a memory storing executable instructions, and a processor in communication with the memory. The processor defines one or more widgets each comprising a visual representation of a current state of an associated function of the industrial vehicle when executing the executable instructions, one or more of the widgets on a portion of the screen display defining one or more widget spaces. controlling or causing at least one display to be displayed, controlling a display on a screen display of an icon tray comprising one or more icons or causing an icon tray to be displayed thereon, wherein one of the one or more icons at least one controls or causes to be displayed the display, corresponding to each one of the one or more widgets, detects activation of an icon corresponding to the one widget, and is responsive to detecting activation of an icon to cause a first menu portion of the one widget to be displayed, and to control the display of a first menu associated with the one widget or to cause it to be displayed.

In an embodiment, the processor, when executing the executable instructions, in response to detecting activation of the one icon, causes a first menu portion of the one widget to be activated, and detect activation, and in response to detecting activation of the first menu portion, control or cause display of the first menu associated with the one widget.

The processor may be configured to, when executing the executable instructions, in response to detecting activation of the one icon, lock a widget at a location in a first widget space on the screen display.

It should be understood that optional features of the first aspect of the invention are to be considered optional features of the third aspect of the invention, unless those features are expressly incompatible therewith.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a display and processing device for an industrial vehicle is provided. The processing device includes a screen display, a memory storing executable instructions, and a processor in communication with the memory. The processor, when executing the executable instructions, defines one or more widgets, each widget comprising a visual representation of a current state of an associated function of the industrial vehicle, and racks on a portion of the screen display defining one or more widget spaces. A portion configured to control the display or cause it to be displayed of a Select Height (RHS) widget, wherein the RHS widget changes state when an associated vehicle function is completed, eg, when the carriage assembly reaches a desired height. includes In this aspect, and in the first, second, third and fifth aspects of the invention described herein, the outline of the RHS widget may be darker, wider or darker and more It can be one of the widest.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display and processing device in an industrial vehicle. The processing device includes a screen display, a memory storing executable instructions, and a processor in communication with the memory. The processor, when executing the executable instructions, defines a plurality of widgets, each widget comprising a visual representation of a current state of an associated function of the industrial vehicle, on a portion of the screen display defining a plurality of widget spaces. controlling display or causing it to be displayed, and controlling or causing it to be displayed on a screen display of an icon tray comprising one or more icons, wherein at least one of the one or more icons comprises: and control or cause display of the icon tray, corresponding to each one of the plurality of widgets, to detect activation of one of the one or more icons corresponding to the one widget. When the processor executes the executable instructions, in response to detecting activation of the one icon, the processor moves each one widget to a predefined widget space, and in response to an operator instruction, each from the predefined widget space. It may be configured to move one widget and move the one widget back to a predefined widget space in response to a command related to vehicle manipulation.

The instructions related to vehicle manipulation may include one of a command to activate a traction motor to effect vehicle movement or a command to raise or lower the carriage assembly.

The invention also includes industrial vehicles comprising the display and processing device of any aspect or embodiment of the invention.

The skilled person should understand that in aspects and embodiments of the present invention, the display and processing device may be embodied as a “graphical user interface”.

According to the technical solution of the present invention, the operator does not need to manually search for a plurality of widgets, find the desired widget and move it to the screen display as the desired widget is automatically moved to the screen upon activation of the corresponding icon. In addition, the operator can access the menu part of one widget when needed and required upon activation of the corresponding icon and unintentional access to or appearance of the menu part is prevented when the corresponding icon is not activated. .

While the specification concludes with claims particularly referring to and distinctly claiming the invention, the invention will be better understood from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals identify like elements:
1A is a perspective view of an industrial vehicle in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;
1B is a top view of an operator's compartment of an industrial vehicle in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;
2A is a block diagram of an industrial vehicle computing enterprise in accordance with the principles of this disclosure;
2B is a block diagram of a special purpose processing device in an industrial vehicle in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;
3 is an illustration of the processing device of FIG. 2B implemented as a graphical user interface having a touch screen display and a corresponding vehicle operator control section in accordance with the principles of this disclosure;
4 is a block diagram of operational modules executed by a processor of the special purpose processing device of FIG. 2B in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;
5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an array of widgets for display on a display screen of the processing device of FIG. 3 in accordance with the principles of this disclosure;
6A and 6B are schematic screen shots of a display screen of the processing device of FIG. 3 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;
7A-7I are schematic screen shots of a display screen of the processing device of FIG. 3 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;
8-11 are flow diagrams of representative computer-implemented processes for defining and controlling a display and display of one or more items on a display screen of a processing device, in accordance with the principles of this disclosure.
12 is a block diagram of a computer processing system that may implement any of the systems, modules, or methods described herein, in accordance with the principles of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof and show, by way of illustration and not of limitation, certain preferred embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It will be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

1A and 1B , a representative industrial vehicle 100 (hereinafter “vehicle”) is shown. Although this disclosure is made with reference to the illustrated vehicle 100 , including a reach truck, the vehicle 100 may include a stock picker, a turret truck, a tow tractor, a rider pallet truck, a walkie stacker truck, It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of the invention with reference to the drawings should not be limited to reach trucks unless otherwise specified, which may include a variety of other industrial vehicles, such as counterbalance forklifts and the like. Vehicle 100 includes a body or power unit 112 and a pair of fork-side first wheels 160A, 160B (only one first wheel 160A) coupled to a pair of outriggers 180A, 180B. and one or more wheels, including one outrigger 180A (only one is shown in FIG. 1A ) and a motorized and steered second wheel 120 located below frame 114 of power unit 112 . Overhead guard 130 includes one or more vertically extending supports, such as support structures 132A, 132B, attached to frame 114 , and with reference to FIG. 1A , structure 132B is shown in FIG. Not shown in 1b.

Vehicle 100 further includes a load handling assembly 140 , which generally includes a mast assembly 142 and a carriage assembly 144 . The mast assembly 142 is disposed between the outriggers 180A, 180B and includes, for example, a locked mast member 146 attached to the frame 114 and nested first and second movable mast members ( 148, 150). It is noted that vehicle 100 may include additional or less movable mast members than the two members 148 , 150 shown in FIG. 1A . The carriage assembly 144 includes, for example, a lifting carriage (not shown) vertically movable along the mast assembly 142, a fork carriage assembly 154 coupled to the lifting carriage for vertical movement therewith, and coupled to a fork carriage assembly 154 including a pair of forks 156A, 156B (only one fork 156A is shown in FIG. 1A ) for carrying a load 116 , such as a loaded pallet. It may include a fork structure. The fork carriage assembly 154 may include a base carriage (not shown) coupled to a lifting carriage and a support carriage (not shown) coupled to the base carriage, which are laterally movable and capable of being moved relative to the base carriage. can turn Forks 156A, 156B are coupled to the support carriage. The carriage assembly 144 is generally vertically movable along the mast assembly 142 and includes a lifting carriage and fork carriage assembly 154 to horizontally extend the fork carriage assembly 154 away from and towards the mast assembly 142 . ) may further include a rich assembly (not shown) disposed between them.

A battery (not shown), housed in a compartment within the frame 114 , powers the second wheel 120 and to a traction motor (not shown) that is connected to one or more hydraulic motors (not shown). . The hydraulic motor(s) provides for generally vertical movement of the movable mast members 148 , 150 relative to the locked mast member 146 and movement of the mast assembly 142 , as shown by arrow A in FIG. 1A . generally vertical movement of the carriage assembly 144 relative to the second movable mast member 150; generally longitudinal movement of the reach assembly (commonly referred to as "rich"), as shown by arrow B; generally lateral or lateral movement of the support carriage and forks 156A, 156B relative to the base carriage (commonly referred to as “sideshifting”), as shown by arrow C; and one or more hydraulic cylinders (not shown) to effect pivotable movement of the support carriage and forks 156A, 156B relative to the base carriage. Therefore, the carriage assembly 144 moves relative to the second movable mast member 150 and also moves with the first and second movable mast members 148 , 150 relative to the locked mast member 146 . . The traction motor and the second wheel 120 define a drive mechanism for effecting movement of the vehicle 100 across the floor surface.

An operator's compartment 122 is positioned within the body 112 to accommodate an operator driving or operating the vehicle 100 . The operator's compartment 122 includes one or more handles, knobs, levers, switches, buttons, sliders, encoders, along with one or more devices that display information to the operator and/or receive operator input. , and various control elements including combinations thereof. For example, a tiller knob 124 is provided within the operator's compartment 122 for controlling the steering of the vehicle 100 . An armrest 170 positioned adjacent the operator seat 128 includes a control panel 126 for receiving input from the operator. 1A and 1B, the control panel 126 on the armrest 170 controls, in the illustrated embodiment, the carriage assembly (fork) raising/lowering, fork tilting, fork sideshifting, fork extension or and a plurality of fingertip levers 172, capable of controlling reach and the like. The control panel 126 may also include a switch (unlabeled) to control the direction of movement of the vehicle (forward or reverse) and a rotary control knob 162 to control the rack height selection function, such as: wherein the vehicle is programmed to define a set of fork stop positions for each of a plurality of rack beam heights in respective storage areas. Control panel 126 may also include one or more dual-axis control levers or a multifunction control handle (not shown) in place of, or in addition to, fingertip levers 172 . In embodiments where the control panel 126 includes levers, the traction motor may be actuated by depressing a floor pedal (not shown). In a further embodiment, the control panel 126 may include a one-click button or trigger switch (not shown) for controlling the rack height selection function. In another embodiment, where a multifunction control handle (not shown) is used in place of the fingertip levers 172, a trigger switch may be provided on the multifunction control handle to control the rack height selection function. In embodiments where control panel 126 includes a multifunction control handle, the traction motor may be actuated by operation of the multifunction control handle.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1B , the power unit is configured to enter screen display 152 and information and commands, navigate through menus on screen display 152 , make selections, and the like, as described herein. A console 138 that may be equipped with a display and processing unit 152 (also referred to herein as a “display unit”) including a five-button keypad 164 including up, down, right, left, and enter buttons for ) is included. As described herein, screen display 152 may be implemented as a touch screen (also referred to herein as a touch screen display). The rotary control knob 162 may be used in place of or in addition to one or more of the functions of the five-button keypad 164 . The operator may press a tilt release lever or button 138A located on the console 138 to tilt the display unit 151 towards or away from the operator.

In FIG. 1B , the display and processing unit 151 is depicted positioned in front of the operator's seat 128 . However, the display unit 151 may be located in other positions in the operator's compartment 122 as long as the display unit 151 is easily viewed and accessed by the operator. For example, display unit 151 may be located in area 166 (shown in dashed lines), which includes a dashboard area adjacent console 138 . Area 166 includes an optional extension of console 138 along the right side of operator's compartment 122 . The location of the display unit 151 in the area 166 allows for easy access to the screen display 152 and the five-button keypad 164 without, for example, an operator moving his or her arm away from the armrest 170 . allow to do

In some embodiments, the display unit 151 may be mounted on one of the support structures 132A, 132B, for example. Some vehicles 100 , such as those designed to operate in a refrigerating compartment, may include an enclosed cabin (not shown) that includes an operator's compartment 122 , and the display unit 151 may include one or more additional support structures. It may be mounted elsewhere in the operator's compartment 122 , such as on a stool (not shown). In other embodiments, display unit 151 may comprise a separate or standalone device, such as a tablet or laptop computer. Also, although the rotary control knob 162 is depicted in FIG. 1B as being positioned on the armrest 170 , in some embodiments the rotary control knob 162 is located elsewhere within the operator's compartment 122 , such as on a display unit. It may be located on 151 (see FIG. 3 ).

Turning now to FIG. 2A , a general diagram of an industrial vehicle computing enterprise including a computer system 200 is illustrated in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The illustrated computer system 200 is a special purpose (specific) system that operates in a manner that allows industrial vehicles, eg, vehicles 100, to communicate wirelessly across a computer enterprise. Computer system 200 includes a plurality of hardware processing devices (generally denoted 202 ) that are coupled together by one or more networks (generally denoted 204 ). Networks 204 , which may include wired or wireless networks, are supported by networking components 206 that interconnect the processing devices 202 and provide communication links between the various processing devices 202 . can be Networking components 206 may include, for example, routers, hubs, firewalls, network interfaces, wired or wireless communication links and corresponding interconnections, cellular stations and corresponding cellular transformation technologies ( eg to convert between cellular and TCP/IP), and the like.

Processing devices 202 may include any device capable of communicating over respective networks 204 . In certain contexts and roles, processing device 202 is intended to be mobile (eg, hardware-based processing device 202 provided on vehicle 100 ). In this regard, vehicles 100 include a processing device 202 capable of wirelessly communicating with a network 204 to implement features described herein. Under these circumstances, vehicles 100 may wirelessly communicate via one or more access points 210 to a corresponding networking component 206 . Vehicles 100 may also include WiFi, cellular, or other suitable technology that allows processing device 202 on vehicle 100 to communicate directly (eg, via network(s) 204 ) with a remote device. can be provided.

The exemplary computer system 200 also includes a hardware server 212 (eg, a web server, a file servers, and/or other processing devices). The analytics engine 214 and data sources 216 may provide resources to one or more of the processing devices 202 , including the processing devices 202 installed on the vehicles 100 .

Referring to FIG. 2B , an exemplary processing device 202 is described in detail. The processing device 202 corresponds to, and is a representative embodiment of, the processing device 202 on vehicles 100 , as shown in FIG. 2A . The processing device 202 in FIG. 2B is a special purpose, specific hardware computer, such as a device mounted on or otherwise integrated with the vehicles 100 . The processing device 202 may include one or more processors coupled to a memory to execute executable instructions stored in the memory. However, the execution environment of the processing device 202 is further tied to the native electronics of the vehicles 100 , making it a specific machine different from a general purpose computer.

The processing device 202 illustrated in FIG. 2B communicates with a remote server (eg, server 212 in FIG. 2A ), data and information processing to process vehicle data, and a corresponding processing device 202 mounted thereon. It can be implemented as an information linking device including circuitry necessary to implement wired (and optionally wireless) communication to the components of the vehicles 100 . According to aspects of the present disclosure, processing device 202 (also called display and processing device) may be implemented as main module 218 and service module 220 , which may be implemented as integrated processing device 202 , such as Combined together to create a display and processing unit 151 ( FIG. 3 ). The service module 220 (which also includes a graphical user interface module) is field-replaceable and may include a display and part of the processing unit 151 . The service module 220 includes a graphical user interface module that defines a screen display 152 , a five-button keypad 164 , and any necessary data processing circuitry. In this regard, the service module 220 along with the control module 226, discussed below, defines a graphical user interface for the processing device 202 . It is also contemplated that the main module 218 and the service module 220 may not be integral such that the main module 218 is separated from the display unit 151 .

In some embodiments, processing device 202 is coupled to transceiver 222 for wireless communication. Although a single transceiver 222 is illustrated in FIG. 2B for convenience, in practice, one or more wireless communication technologies may be provided (eg, WiFi, Bluetooth ^® , and/or cellular). For example, transceiver 222 may communicate with a remote server (eg, server 212 of FIG. 2A ) via 802.11 across access points 210 of FIG. 2A . Transceiver 222 may also optionally support other wireless communications, such as radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR), or any other suitable technology or combination of technologies. For example, using a cellular-to-IP bridge (not shown), transceiver 222 may use the cellular signal to communicate directly with a remote server, eg, a manufacturer server (not shown). The transceiver 222 connects to the processing device 202 via a suitable electrical connection 224 , such as an Ethernet connection. However, the transceiver 222 may connect to the processing device 202 using other suitable connections. Alternatively, the transceiver 222 may be embedded in or otherwise integral with the processing device 202 .

The processing device 202 may also process data having a processor (μP) coupled to a memory to implement executable instructions, including related processes, or aspects thereof, as more fully presented and described herein. circuitry (generally illustrated as control module 226 ). Control module 226 may also include other necessary processing circuitry and software, such as to implement a display engine, camera processing engine, data processing engine(s), and the like. In this regard, the control module 226 may include additional support circuitry, such as video ports, camera ports, input/output ports, and the like. Furthermore, memory may include memory for storing processing instructions, as well as memory for a data storage device, eg, to implement one or more databases, data stores, registers, arrays, and the like. Additionally, the control module 226 implements processes, such as operator login, pre-use inspection checklists, data monitoring, and other features, examples of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. No. 8,060,400, more fully described.

The processing device 202 may also include a vehicle power enabling circuitry to selectively enable or disable the vehicle 100 and/or to selectively enable or disable select components or functions of the vehicle 100 . (228) may be optionally included. In some embodiments, the vehicle power enabling circuit 228 may partially or fully enable the vehicle 100 for operation, eg, depending on appropriate operator login, specific vehicle conditions, and the like. For example, the vehicle power enabling circuitry 228 may selectively provide power to components via an appropriate power connection (not shown) or otherwise, such as across one or more vehicle communication buses, for vehicle messaging. to instruct certain vehicle components not to respond to vehicle operator control.

Furthermore, processing device 202 may be connected to vehicle 100 , such as one or more cameras, sensors, meters, encoders, switches, etc. (not separately labeled; collectively represented by reference numeral 232 ). and a monitoring input/output (I/O) module 230 for communicating via a wired or wireless connection between the control module 226 and one or more peripheral devices mounted thereon or otherwise associated therewith. Monitoring I/O module 230 may include other devices, such as one or more RFID scanners, displays, meters, barcode scanners, cameras, or other devices, to communicate information to control module 226 ; For example, it may be selectively coupled to third party devices 234 .

The processing device 202 couples to and/or communicates with other vehicle system components via an appropriate vehicle network system 236 . Vehicle network system 236 may include at least one wired or wireless network, bus, or other communication capability that allows electronic components of vehicle 100 to communicate with each other, or a combination thereof. As an example, vehicle network system 236 may include a controller area network (CAN) bus, ZigBee, Bluetooth ^® , local interconnection network (LIN), time-triggered data-bus protocol (TTP), RS422 bus, Ethernet, universal serial bus (USB), other suitable communication technology, or a combination thereof.

As will be described more fully herein, the use of the vehicle network system 236 enables seamless integration of the components of the vehicle 100 with the processing device 202 , and in particular the control module 226 . By way of example, vehicle network system 236 may include control module 226 and a fob (via fob reader 240), keypad, card reader, or any other suitable device for receiving operator login identification, as well as as well as vehicle control module, controllers (eg, traction controller, hydraulic controller, etc.), modules, devices, bus-enabled sensors, displays, lights, light bars, sound generating devices, headsets, microphones, Enables communication between one or more native vehicle components, such as haptic devices and the like (generally denoted by reference numeral 238 ). The control module 226 also integrates with the vehicle network system 236 and controls the transfer of information from any electronic peripheral devices 232 or third party devices 234 associated with the vehicle 100 that communicates therethrough. may be enabled (eg, via the monitoring I/O module 230 ).

Referring now to FIG. 3 , an exemplary display and processing unit 151 is illustrated. As noted above, display unit 151 may implement the functions and/or features of display and processing device 202 of FIG. 2B . As described herein, display unit 151 may be used in or with an industrial vehicle, such as vehicle 100 , mounted to power unit console 138 , as noted above, or otherwise It may be integrated with the vehicle 100 . It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the display unit 151 may also be used with other types of vehicles, such as automobiles, etc., and in other non-vehicle settings.

The display unit 151 includes a housing 304 having a front surface 306 defining a display section 308 including a screen display 152 and a vehicle operator control section 310 . The screen display 152 within the display section 308 may include, for example, an LCD screen, a light emitting diode (LED) screen, a plasma screen, or the like. The screen display 152 may be, for example, by an operator directly touching or tapping the screen display 152 , pressing against or releasing from the touch screen display 152 , swiping, sliding, or the touch screen display. Any known technique, eg, touch, to receive and respond to gesture commands, implemented by rotating a finger along or across 152 , and performing other touch gesture functions or combinations thereof. It may include a screen display. The terms ("gesture command" and "touch gesture command") also refer to the screen, such as when an operator moves a finger adjacent to but slightly spaced from the touch screen display 152 in a swiping, sliding, rotating or other motion. Includes gesture commands that do not require direct physical contact with display 152 .

The vehicle operator control section 310 may include one or more physical devices, such as buttons, switches, sliders, encoders, knobs, etc., used to receive operator input, eg, making selections on the touch screen display 152 . It may include input control elements. One or more multifunction control handles, keypads, keyboards (not shown), or combinations thereof, may be provided on behalf of the vehicle operator control section 310 . As shown in FIG. 3 , the vehicle operator control section 310 includes an up direction button 164A, a right direction button 164B, a left direction button 164C, a down direction button 164D, and an enter button 164E. and a 5-button keypad 164 including Vehicle operator control section 310 may be used in conjunction with or in place of rotary control knob 162 positioned on the armrest and may perform similar possibilities, such as rotary control knob 164F, It may optionally include input elements or devices.

Referring generally to FIGS. 2B and 3 , the control module 226 includes a hardware processor coupled to physical memory and is capable of executing computer-executed processes in the hardware system. In this regard, the processes, architectures, and organizations described herein may be implemented on computer-readable hardware that stores machine-executable program code, wherein the program code implements the described features. Instruct the processor The processor of the control module 226 executes the program code stored in the memory to implement a graphical user interface control architecture that sends information to and receives information from the graphical user interface module of the service module 220 . In particular, the control module 226 provides a number of individual control functions that affect the way the service module 220 is present and receives information via the touch screen display 152 when interacting with the vehicle operator. For example, as described herein, the processor of the control module 226 may define one or more widgets and/or one or more icons and control one or more of the widgets and/or icons and display the touch screen display. 152 may display it.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the logical organization of memory stored software code controlled, read and manipulated by the control module 226 to effect control of the service module 220 by the control module 226 is illustrated, the modules 220 and 226 define a graphical user interface of the processing device 202 . The features in FIG. 4 are presented in simplified block diagram form and executed by the control module 226 (eg, a microprocessor coupled to a memory) of FIG. 2B , wherein the processing device 202 ( FIG. 2B ) communicates with an operator and a graphical user interface (GUI) controller module 402 for controlling a plurality of sub-algorithms (modules) that enforce an interactive manner. In this regard, the GUI controller module 402 communicates with each sub-algorithm/module and provides information to the operator via a display screen, eg, a touch screen display 152 ( FIG. 3 ), and eg, , touching the touch screen display 152 and/or interacting with one or more physical control elements in the vehicle operator control section 310 ( FIG. 3 ) or the control panel 126 ( FIG. 1B ) of the display unit 151 . In further communication with the graphical user interface module of the service module 220 ( FIG. 2B ) to receive information from the operator, via the touch/gesture controls received through the actuating.

In embodiments where the screen display 152 includes a touch screen, the GUI controller module 402 is configured when the operator touches the touch screen display 152, such as a touch, tap, press, release, swipe, scroll, etc. Receive and process touch gesture commands. The received touch gesture commands may include, for example, a first touch gesture command implemented as an upward swipe gesture command, a second touch gesture command implemented as a right swipe gesture command, and a third touch implemented as a left swipe gesture command. a gesture command, a fourth touch gesture command implemented as a downward swipe gesture command, and a fifth touch gesture command implemented as a selection gesture command (eg, press and release, tap, etc.).

In other embodiments, the GUI controller module 402 receives and processes operator input from one or more of the control elements in the vehicle operator control section 310 ( FIG. 3 ) of the display unit 151 . The GUI controller module 402 may implement a set of controls, including hardware controls, such as touch gesture commands recognized by the touch screen display 152 . For example, the GUI controller module 402 may include a first control labeled as an "up" control (eg, via an operator pressing the up directional button 164A of FIG. 3), a "right" control (eg, an operator A second control, denoted as a "left" control (eg, via an operator pressing the left directional button 164C), a third control, a "down" control (via pressing the right directional button 164B) Process a fourth control, eg, designated as a "select" control (eg, via the operator pressing the down button 164D), and a fifth control, denoted as a "select" control (eg, via the operator pressing the enter button 164E) can do. The various controls may also be implemented on a single input device, such as a keypad or rotary control knob, or via additional separate control elements.

In this regard, control module 226 ( FIG. 2B ), eg, implemented as GUI controller module 402 , communicatively connects to touch screen display 152 ( FIG. 3 ), as described herein. do. The control module 226 detects interactions with the rotary control knob 162 , 164F or one or more of the control elements in the touch screen display 152 and/or the vehicle operator control section 310 . For example, the control module 226 may provide an upward swipe gesture command on the touch screen display 152 (eg, an operator places a finger on the touch screen display 152 and swipe upward) and the operation of downward control. to the same first graphical user interface command. The control module 226 is configured to perform the same operation of a right swipe gesture command on the touch screen display 152 (eg, the operator places a finger on the touch screen display and swipe right) and the left control on the same second graphical user. Maps to interface commands. The control module 226 likewise displays the action of a left swipe gesture command (eg, an operator places a finger on the touch screen display and swipe left) on the touch screen display 152 and the right control on the touch screen display 152 with the same third graphic. Maps to user interface commands. The control module 226 is also configured to perform the same operation of a downward swipe gesture command on the touch screen display 152 (eg, an operator places a finger on the touch screen display 152 and swipe downward) and upward control on the touch screen display 152 . Map to a fourth graphical user interface command. Control module 226 further maps operations of selection gesture commands (eg, touch, press, release, etc.) and selection controls on touch screen display 152 to the same fifth graphical user interface command. These graphical user interface commands may function differently depending on what is currently displayed on display 152 , examples of which are described in greater detail herein.

Control module 226 may similarly map operator commands associated with rotary control knobs 162 and 164F. For example, the control module 226 maps the rotation of the rotary control knobs 162 and 164F to the left and the operation of the left control to the same (second) graphical user interface command. The control module 226 maps the rotation of the rotary control knobs 162, 164F to the right and the operation of the right control to the same (third) graphical user interface command. The control module may map the operation of pressing and selecting control of the rotary control knobs 162 and 164F to the same (fifth) graphical user interface module.

The up and down commands or controls may be used for navigating vertically, eg, up and down within the various menus presented on the screen display 152 of the display unit 151 , as detailed herein. can The up and down commands or controls may also be used to scroll up and down in an image that is too large to display as a whole in an area of the screen display 152 , and to increment and decrement a value the operator provides as input. Right and left commands or controls may be used to navigate laterally, eg to scroll through widgets and to expose additional widgets; scroll all the way, inject, and exit multi-tiered menus; scroll to the right or left of an image that is too large to fit the area of the screen display 152 ; It can be used to modify data entry values, etc. In addition, up and down commands or controls, as well as combinations of right and left commands or controls, may be used to scroll through text or other data that is too large to fit in the area of screen display 152 . An action of a "select" command or control may be such that the operator executes, for example, an enter command, selects or activates a menu option, accepts a value, triggers an action, clears a message, and sets a timer. enable, pause, or otherwise interact with information displayed via the display unit 151 .

Redundancy of commands and controls generated by touching the touch screen display 152 and using the corresponding control elements in the vehicle operator control section 310 (eg, buttons 164A - 164E in FIG. 3 ) , enabling the operation of the display unit 151 even in harsh environments. For example, some operators must wear gloves, such as during operation in refrigerated areas of a warehouse. In addition, positioning of buttons 164A - 164E proximate (e.g., on the same housing) touch screen display 152 to touch screen display 152 or tactile control elements when interacting with display unit 151 ( eg, by allowing the operator to consistently focus on a common area regardless of their interaction with the buttons). Thus, in this configuration, buttons 164A-164E are co-located with touch screen display 152 , for example.

The GUI controller module 402 also enables customization of the user interaction experience. For example, the GUI controller module 402 communicates with the user management module 404 and the system management module 406 . The user management module 404 allows the operator to use the fob to access the corresponding vehicle 100 via the fob reader 240 ( FIG. 2B ), or via logging to the vehicle 100 using the display unit 151 . Personalized settings communicated from the control module 226 ( FIG. 2B ), such as in response to logging, may be stored. The system management module 406 may be used to control allowable operator-specific settings, eg, by limiting, disabling, enabling, and the like features. In an illustrative example, the user management module 404 may be used to store vehicle operator performance or skill levels, subject preferences, language preferences, unit measurement preferences (eg, metrics or areas), widget arrangements, and the like. A generic template may be provided when no customization data is available for a particular vehicle operator. In a further illustrative example, the system management module 406 limits and controls the vehicle operator's ability to configure topics, language preferences, widget arrangement, widget customization, and the like. One or more of these features may be temporarily ignored or permanently closed, eg, by a system supervisor, from what appears to be a user-settable parameter. For example, the available subjects may be established or limited based on vehicle operator level, truck level, company level, etc., eg, to provide inspection checklists, to provide specific diagnostic information, to provide specific vehicle-specific- It can be temporarily overridden for certain functions.

The GUI controller module 402 further communicates with the vehicle management module 408 . The vehicle management module 408 stores and controls information about the specific vehicle 100 in which the processing device 202 ( FIG. 2B ) is installed. For example, the vehicle management module 408 may include information about maximum fork height, maximum weight, battery charge, or other vehicle-specific characteristics.

The GUI controller module 402 continues to further communicate with the language format module 410 , which can be used to set a preferred language for display of text on the screen display 152 ( FIG. 3 ). In particular, the language format module 410 manages the strings to be transferred and pushed to the screen display 152 , as well as font, text alignment, orientation, and other characteristics that affect the readability of information desired by the operator. The GUI controller module 402 continues to further communicate with a communication module 412 , which, as presented in FIGS. 2A and 2B , may include other vehicle controllers, modules, devices, sensors, third party devices, etc. Controls communication with the GUI controller module 402 and the like.

The GUI controller module 402 further communicates with the message system module 414 . The message system module 414 may control the messaging provided to the operator, as well as the manner in which the messaging is provided to the operator. For example, the message may span a portion of the screen display 152 , such as over a third bottom, one widget space ( 606 , 608 in FIG. 6A ), or the entire screen display 152 ( FIG. 3 ). ) can be displayed over The GUI controller module 402 also communicates with the dashboard module 416 . Dashboard module 416 controls icons, icon order, widgets, widget order, and menu systems presented on screen display 152 . Dashboard module 416 also provides screen management, and menus, proofing, checklists, icon display, widget display, messaging, text and video messaging, etc., for example, storing the current screen, next screen, previous screen, etc. responsible for tracking The GUI controller module 402 receives inputs provided by the operator when interacting with the graphical user interface module of the service module 220 ( FIG. 2B ), which may be implemented as part of the display unit 151 ( FIG. 3 ). It further communicates with the user I/O module 418 to translate it into instructions that are interpreted to enable an operator interaction experience. For example, the user I/O module 418 may be an operator touching the touch screen display 152 , either via physical control elements in the vehicle operator control section 310 or via the control panel 126 ( FIG. 1B ). may process input received via touch gesture commands from

In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, screen display 152 displays one or more widgets, each defined by an application program forming part of dashboard module 416 that provides a visual representation on screen display 152 . can be used to display. In an embodiment, the computer instructions are of an application program stored in memory that instructs the processor of the control module 226 how a particular widget should look, how it behaves, and how it responds to operator actions and/or vehicle-related information. provided in the form. The visual representation provides information to the operator and allows the operator to interact with the control module 226 . For example, the widgets may display a current state of one or more associated vehicle features, functions, or operations (eg, battery charging, current vehicle speed, etc.) and/or one or more auxiliary conditions (eg, an environment, such as current time). condition) can be provided. In an exemplary embodiment, widgets may be used to display the current status of vehicle speed, fork height, load weight, battery charge, clock, stopwatch, odometer, trip meter, hour meter, time, and date. .

In this regard, widgets represent "live" or real-time data. With reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B , the current state of data values may be determined by, for example, across a vehicle network system 236 , via a monitoring I/O module 230 , or a combination thereof, in one or more vehicle control modules. , sensors, etc. (eg, one or more electronic peripheral devices 232 ) and in communication with (eg, querying, polling, reading from, etc.) the processor of the control module 226 . Presence data may also be ascertained by polling or otherwise querying a remote server, eg, server 212 , which extracts relevant data from data sources 216 , eg, a vehicle data store, and the relevant The data is passed back to the control module 226 . Moreover, the control module 226 may read the current state from a designated memory on the vehicle 100 , such as a master state data store (unlabeled). For example, a process on vehicle 100 (eg, a process executed by a controller/processor in control module 226 ) periodically collects vehicle state information in a designated memory, eg, every 100 milliseconds or less, and Refreshing may be given. The designated memory thus defines a vehicle state lookup table that can be accessed to make decisions based on the current operating state of the vehicle 100 . The current status data may also include data regarding vehicle operator performance or skill level.

As an example, by continuously data logging operator-based performance and/or vehicle operation data, one or more of the widgets may provide a dashboard view of key vehicle and/or operator performance measurements. In this regard, the overall data provided to the widget need not be limited to data collected by or stored in a particular vehicle. In some embodiments, one or more of the widgets may reflect all of the relevant vehicle data associated with the logged in operator, regardless of which vehicle the operator is currently operating. In other embodiments, one or more of the widgets may be configured to display other information, such as action information, messages, information from a warehouse management system, feeds (such as from news, sports, and weather), and the like. You can connect to your own databases. Accordingly, the processing device 202 is a communication device (eg, the transceiver 222 ) such that the processing device 202 receives information that is not extracted from the vehicle 100 , from a remote server (eg, the server 212 ). communicatively connected to

Referring to FIG. 5 , widgets may be organized into an array 500 . Array 500 describes, for example, which widgets will be presented on screen display 152 ( FIG. 3 ) and the order in which widgets will be presented. For example, first widget 502(1) is designated as the leftmost widget, prior to widgets 502(2), 502(3) ... 502(N), where N is any is an appropriate number of The vehicle operator may add as many widgets as are available or limited through preferences set in user management module 404 ( FIG. 4 ). In addition, the operator may rearrange the order of presentation of widgets such that the widgets are ordered as desired, as described herein. One or more widgets, eg, widgets 502( 1 ) and 502( 2 ), may be used to set a “home screen”, which may be displayed as a default or may be returned by the operator. The home screen may, for example, display two widgets representing features that are most important to the operator. Widgets may also be configured and ordered from screen display 152 , eg, via input from an operator, or widgets may be set or preset by a system supervisor or via a remote computer, which may be preset on a remote server Wirelessly transmit widgets and widget order to vehicle 100 , such as via 212 ( FIG. 2A ).

Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B , an exemplary display screen 600 , which may be implemented as a touch screen, is illustrated. Display screen 600 is an example of a graphical user interface display, which may be provided by screen display 152 of display unit 151 ( FIG. 3 ). The display screen 600 is illustrated as a menu selection section 602 , a first docked status tray 604A, a second docked status tray 604B, and a first widget space 606 and a second widget space 608 . , can be conceptually divided into several sections containing one or more widget spaces. Although display screen 600 is depicted herein as including one menu selection section, two status trays, and two widget spaces, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that different configurations of display screen 600 are possible. will be clear to For example, the upper portion of the display screen 600 may include only one status tray or three or more status trays. Also, the display screen 600 may include three or more widget spaces. However, the size of the display screen 600 may dictate the number of widget spaces and/or status trays available.

As shown in FIG. 6B , a menu selection section 602 may be used to access a menu, such as a drop-down menu 602a , relating to one or more general vehicle settings and general operation and appearance of the display screen 600 . can Selection of one of the options in drop down menu 602a may result in display of one or more sub-menus (not shown) along with additional options related to the selected option. One or more of the options in the drop-down menu 602a and/or sub-menu(s) include an associated number or value (not shown) that can be viewed and/or changed by clicking or selecting the option. can do. An operator may access menu 602a or sub-menu(s) and make selections as described herein. In some embodiments (not shown), menu 602a may be displayed via both widget spaces 606 , 608 .

One status tray, eg, first status tray 604A, or a portion thereof, may be used to display information such as one or more identifiers related to the operator, vehicle, vehicle owner, and the like. One status tray, eg, second status tray 604B, or a portion thereof, may include an icon row or icon tray used to dock a predetermined number of system status icons (730 in FIG. 7A ). there is. Each of the first and second widget spaces 606 , 608 displays a widget comprising an associated auxiliary condition or a visual representation of the current state of the vehicle feature or function. The term (“current state of an associated function of a vehicle”) is intended to include “the present state of an associated auxiliary action, condition or vehicle feature or function”. In the exemplary display screen 600 shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B , two widgets N-2 and N-3 are displayed, eg, according to an order set by the array 500 ( FIG. 5 ). . Thus, since widget N-2 is displayed in first widget space 606 , widget N-3 is displayed in second widget space 608 . Moving widgets to the right will shift widget N-2 into the second widget space 608 and a new widget, and widget N-1 into a first widget space 606 (not shown). Likewise, moving widgets to the left will shift widget N-3 into first widget space 606 and widget N-4 into second widget space 608 (not shown). This process may continue to allow the operator to scroll through all of the assigned widgets in the array 600 . In widgets N-1 and N-N, scrolling may freeze or wrap around the next adjacent widget in array 500 .

An optional widget location indicator 610 may be used to illustrate the number and location of displayed widgets within the array 500 . In the illustrated embodiment, the widget location indicator 610 comprises circles, but in other embodiments (not shown), the widget location indicator 610 has another shape, such as squares, triangles, etc. includes Multiple circles 610( 1 ) ... 610(N) may correspond to multiple widgets available within array 500 , see FIGS. 6A and 6B . For example, as shown in FIG. 7B , as indicated by circles 610( 1 )- 610( 9 ), there are nine widgets available for display. 6A and 6B , a portion or a subset of the available widgets, eg widgets N-2 and N-3, are displayed on the display screen 600 , and the widget location indicator 610 is also Current positions of the displayed widgets N-2 and N-3 in the array 500 may be indicated. For example, widgets N-2 and N-3 may be arranged in an array, as indicated by second and third circles 610(2), 610(3) in hollow widget location indicator 610. in the second and third widgets. The remaining widgets, namely widgets N-1 and N-4 to NN, are opened corresponding first and fourth to Nth circles 610(1), 610(4) to 610(N). is outside the display screen 600 , as indicated by .

7A-7C , various aspects of the general functionality of the screen display 152 of the display unit 151 ( FIG. 3 ) will be discussed in detail. A representative display screen 600 , which may be implemented as a touch screen, is illustrated and may include an example of a graphical user interface display, which may be shown by the screen display 152 . Although reference is made to elements and features of specific icons and widgets, those skilled in the art will understand that the described elements and features are not limited to these specific icons and widgets. Also, the labeling of some elements is omitted for clarity.

7A, the display screen 600 is conceptually divided into a menu selection section 602, a first status tray 604A, and a second status tray 604B, as indicated by dashed lines. lose The first status tray 604A displays one or more identifiers 720, such as the operator's name, eg "J. SMITH," the name of another person actively logged into the vehicle, vehicle name, company name, location, etc. include The second status tray 604B includes an icon tray with one or more system status icons 730 . A first widget space 606 contains a capacity data monitoring (CDM) widget 740 , and a second widget space 608 contains a speedometer widget 750 . As indicated by the solid first and second circles 610(1), 610(2) and the remaining open circles 610(3)-610(9), the widget location indicator 610 is There are nine widgets available for display and CDM and speedometer widgets 740 , 750 are widgets N-1 and N-2 in the associated array 500 of widgets ( FIG. 5 ).

Each icon 730 corresponds to an associated vehicle feature, function, or current state of an operational or auxiliary condition. For example, icons 730 depicted in FIG. 7A include select rack height (RHS) icon 730A, steer wheel/direction indicator icon 730B, performance icon 730C, messaging icon 730D, battery condition icon 730E, and clock icon 730F. In some embodiments, one or more of the icons 730 displayed in the second status tray 604B may be locked or locked in place on the display screen 600 , such as in the icon tray, for example , can only be changed by the System Supervisor or Fleet Manager. For example, in some embodiments, RHS icon 730A may be activated or deactivated by an operator, as described herein, but may only be removed or otherwise changed by a system supervisor or fleet manager. . One or more of the icons 730 may include an indicator that provides a visual representation of an associated vehicle feature, function, or current state of an operation or auxiliary condition. For example, the steer wheel/direction of travel indicator icon 730B includes arrows within a circle (not separately labeled) representing the general steer wheel/direction of travel within 360°, and the messaging icon 730D allows the operator to use one includes a message bubble with "1" to indicate that it has a message, and battery icon 370E displays "86" to indicate that the battery is currently 86% charged. Accordingly, the operator can use the icons to quickly determine the current state of corresponding vehicle features, functions, or operations or auxiliary conditions, without the need to display a corresponding widget in one of the widget spaces 606 , 608 . (730) can be used.

In some embodiments, at least one of the icons 730 corresponds to each one of the widgets. The corresponding widget may be displayed in one of the widget spaces 606 , 608 , or the corresponding widget may be available in the array 500 ( FIG. 5 ) but is currently outside the display screen 600 . For example, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B , RHS icon 730A corresponds to RHS widget 760 , which is off-screen in FIG. 7A and displayed in first widget space 606 in FIG. 7B . . Alternatively, the corresponding widget may be installed on the vehicle 100 , ie stored in memory, but not currently in the array 500 of widgets available for display. In a particular embodiment, the last widget in the array, when touched or selected, "adds" displays a menu, as described herein, listing additional available widgets for selection and insertion into array 500 . It may include a widget (not shown). In other embodiments, one or more of icons 730 may not include a corresponding widget. For example, clock icon 730F may not include a corresponding widget. Each icon may be defined by an application program (similar to a widget application program) forming part of a dashboard module 416 that provides a simple visual representation on the screen display 152 . In one embodiment, computer instructions instructing the processor of control module 226 how a particular icon looks, how it behaves and how it responds to operator actions and/or vehicle-related information in the form of an application program stored in memory. is provided as

In further embodiments, one or more of icons 730 may appear only when a particular condition is met or occurs. For example, messaging icon 730D may appear in second status tray 604B only upon receipt of a new message, and maintenance icon (not shown) may appear on receipt of an indication of a problem with a vehicle component or system. can appear only in In further embodiments, one or more of the icons 730 may be removed from the second status tray 604B when a particular condition is met or occurs.

Performance icon 730C may be used to set a vehicle mode (eg, training, economical, or full performance mode).

In some embodiments, selection or activation of one of the icons locks the corresponding widget to a position on the display screen 600 in the designated or “locked” widget space. As used herein, “activation” refers to physical control elements or control panel 126 ( FIG. 1B ), such as rotary control knob 162 , whose icons are found in vehicle operator control section 310 ( FIG. 3 ). or using one or more touch gestures and/or one or more physical control elements, such as a trigger switch (not shown), to touch, tap, click, or otherwise select a portion of the display screen that is positioned. It is intended to include For example, when the touch screen 600 detects that the operator is touching or tapping a corresponding portion of the touch screen 600 on which the icon is located, the icon is activated. The activated icon is deactivated when the operator touches or taps the corresponding portion of the touch screen 600 where the activated icon is located. The locked widget space may include any of the widget spaces, eg, a first or second widget space 606 , 608 . The widget corresponding to the activated icon may already be locked in the locked widget space, in which case the corresponding widget will be locked in place in its current position upon activation of the icon, and in one embodiment the corresponding icon will be deactivated. otherwise it will not move out of the locked widget space. If three or more widget spaces are provided, the locked widget space may include a central widget space. If none of the icons are active, any widget placed in the designated or “locked” widget space is not locked in place.

However, the widget corresponding to the activated icon may be located in one of the other widget spaces or may be outside the display screen 600 . In some embodiments, the widget corresponding to the activated icon may not currently be in the array 500 ( FIG. 5 ) of widgets available for display on the display screen 600 , but is installed on the vehicle 100 and , that is, stored in memory. In all cases where the corresponding widget is not currently displayed in the locked widget space, the remaining widgets may be shifted right or left to allow the corresponding widget to move into the locked widget space. In some embodiments, movement of the corresponding widget and shifting of remaining widgets may occur automatically upon detecting activation of the icon such that the corresponding widget immediately moves into the locked widget space and locks in place. In other embodiments, the remaining widgets will only be shifted upon detection of a touch gesture or activation of one or more control elements after activation of the icon. In further embodiments, selection of an icon and movement of a corresponding widget into the locked widget space may result in a widget corresponding to the selected icon in a first position in array 500 , eg, first widget 502( 1 ). may automatically reorganize the array 500 of widgets to place In further embodiments, activation of an icon for a widget not currently in array 500 and display of a widget on display screen 600 upon activation of a corresponding icon also displays the widget position to indicate the presence of an additional widget. This may result in the introduction of an additional circle (not shown) in the indicator 610 .

For example, referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B , the CDM widget 740 in FIG. 7A is located in a first widget space 606 , and the speedometer widget 750 is located in a second widget space 608 . . In FIG. 7B , the RHS icon 730A' has been activated and the corresponding RHS widget 760 has been moved to a locked widget space, eg, a first widget space 606 on the left-most side of the display screen 600 . The remaining widgets 740 , 750 have been shifted to the right, ie, the CDM widget 740 has been shifted to the second widget space 608 in FIG. 7B and the speedometer widget 750 has been shifted out of the display screen 600 to the right. has been moved

One or more characteristics of the visual appearance of an activated icon may change upon activation. For example, as shown in FIG. 7B , the active RHS icon 730A' is underlined. Alternatively, or in addition to the underline 735 , a box (not shown) may appear around the activated icon and/or the color or appearance of one or more portions of the activated icon may change (not shown). For example, the text (“RHS”) in the activated RHS icon 730A′ may be changed to italic type to clearly indicate to the operator that the icon has been activated and/or from a default color to another color (eg, from white to orange upon activation), or a combination thereof. In addition, a portion of the background of the activated icon may also change color or appearance upon activation (not shown).

Additionally, one or more properties of the widget location indicator 610 may be changed to indicate that the widget is locked to a location within the locked widget space. For example, as shown in FIG. 7B , the first circle 610( 1 ) ′ in the widget location indicator 610 is to indicate that the corresponding widget has been locked in place, for example, in FIG. 7A , as shown in FIG. 7A . As shown in , it changes from solid black to a different color (eg, orange). The background pattern, shape (not shown), or other characteristic of the widget location indicator or combinations thereof may also be changed to indicate that the widget is locked in place. If the locked widget space includes the second widget space 608 or another widget space, one or more characteristics of the corresponding circle 610(2) ... 610(N) in the widget location indicator 610 . may also be modified (not shown).

Prior to activating the icon and locking the corresponding widget into the locked widget space, the operator may scroll the widgets using one or more touch gestures and/or one or more physical control elements, as described herein; Widgets in both widget spaces will change as the operator cycles through the array 500 ( FIG. 5 ). In some embodiments, the operator may change the current position of the widget in the array 500 by pressing and holding the widget and dragging and dropping the widget to a desired location (not shown). For example, in FIG. 7B , as shown, after activation of an icon and locking of a corresponding widget into the locked widget space, only widgets in the remaining widget space(s) can be changed by scrolling. . For example, after activation of RHS icon 730A' in FIG. 7B and locking of RHS widget 760 in locked (first) widget space 606, the operator scrolls left through the remaining widgets, This results in the display screen 600 shown in FIG. 7C . The speedometer widget 750 , which had previously left the display screen 600 to the right, moves back to the second widget space 608 . Since the RHS widget 760 is now locked to its position in the first widget space 606 , the CDM widget 740 leaves the display screen 600 and moves to the left. In the widget location indicator 610 , the first circle 610( 1 ) ′ corresponding to the RHS widget 760 remains orange. A second circle 610( 2 ), now corresponding to CDM widget 740 , is opened as CDM widget 740 is moved out of display screen 600 , and a third circle, now corresponding to speedometer widget 750 , is opened. Circle 610(3) is solid.

In some embodiments, activation of the icon may move the corresponding widget into the predefined widget space but does not lock the widget in place. For example, activation of RHS icon 730A may cause RHS widget 760 to move to a predefined widget space, eg, first widget space 606 as shown in FIG. 7B , while the operator Afterwards, the widgets may be scrolled as before, ie, the RHS widget 760 may be moved off the screen in response to an operator command to move the widget (not shown). Reception of an operator command related to vehicle operation may cause the corresponding widget to immediately move back to the predefined widget space. For example, if the operator has moved the RHS widget 760 off the display screen 600 , receiving a command to activate the traction motor to effect vehicle movement or lifting the carriage assembly 144 ( FIG. 1A ) or Alternatively, receipt of a command to issue or actuation of a trigger switch (not shown) may cause the RHS widget 760 to move back to the first widget space 606 . In other embodiments, receipt of an operator command related to vehicle manipulation may cause a corresponding widget to move into a predefined widget space. For example, receipt of a command to raise or lower carriage assembly 144 (FIG. 1A) or actuation of a trigger switch (not shown) may cause RHS widget 760 to become a first widget, as shown in FIG. 7B. can move into space.

In all embodiments, movement of a corresponding widget to a locked or predefined widget space on the display screen 600 in response to a particular operator command may result in manually navigating to the appropriate widget and/or causing the operator to exit the widget. Navigating away does not require the operator to move the widget back to the display screen 600 , thereby saving time for the operator and helping to increase productivity. Thus, for example, in the display unit 151 , as implemented, the processing device 202 disclosed herein is smart and flexible to ensure that the operator receives the most appropriate information at the correct time with minimal operator input. Provides a user interface.

In additional embodiments, upon movement of the widget into a predetermined widget space (by scrolling, by activation of a corresponding icon, etc.), a message related to the widget (not shown) may be selectively displayed. If the predetermined widget space is, for example, the first widget space 606 , the message may temporarily overlap the second widget space 608 and may appear only when a predefined condition is met. For example, if a battery condition widget (not shown) is moved to the first widget space 606 and the battery charge is below a certain level, a message, eg "low battery", indicates to the operator that the battery needs to be changed soon. may appear to inform Also, if the operator moves the speedometer widget 750 into the first widget space 606 , a message, such as “Speed too high”, may appear if the operator exceeds the speed limit.

In further embodiments, a control module 226 , communicatively coupled to one or more vehicle system modules via the vehicle network system 236 ( FIG. 2B ), as described herein, provides data related to the current vehicle state. , and may use this data to change the display of widgets and/or icons on the display screen 600 . For example, the display unit 151 ( FIG. 3 ) may be configured to have one or more “home” locations and/or “home” screens, each displaying one or more widgets related to the current vehicle status or current task. there is. These features help ensure that the vehicle operator has access to information most relevant to the current task without the need to navigate all of the widgets available on the vehicle 100 , which will help increase operator productivity. can

In some specific embodiments, the control module 226 extracts, from a traction control module (not shown), either directly or via a memory or current vehicle state lookup table, an indication of whether traction control is involved. If the current operating state of the traction control module indicates that traction control is engaged, the control module 226 causes the display screen to return to the designated “home” position, such as the first two widgets in the array 500 ( FIG. 5 ). Make it "snap". Further, when moving, display screen 600 may also automatically change to a “motion home screen” showing appropriate movement-related widgets, such as speedometer widget 750 .

In other specific embodiments, the control module 226 extracts from a hydraulic valve control module (not shown) an indication that the forks 156A, 156B ( FIG. 1A ) are participating in a lift operation on the vehicle 100 . do. When the current operating state indicates that the forks 156A, 156B are engaged in a lift operation, the control module 226 causes the display screen 600 to display associated widgets, such as the CDM widget 740 and the RHS widget 760 . to snap to a designated "lift" home position or "lift home screen" with

In further embodiments, the control module 22 may use the extracted data related to the current vehicle state to selectively disable operation of one or more portions of the display unit 151 . The display screen 600 may continue to display the current status of one or more vehicle features, functions, or operations, but the touch layer is completely or partially incapable of causing the display screen 600 to respond to touch gesture commands. can be Control module 226 may also selectively disable one or more of the control elements in vehicle operator control section 310 ( FIG. 3 ). These features can help reduce operator distraction and increase operator productivity by ensuring that the vehicle operator remains focused on the current task.

In some specific embodiments, as described herein, if the current operating state of the traction control module indicates that traction controls are engaged, the control module 226 may cause the operator to scroll other widgets or otherwise leave the home location. It is possible to lock the display screen 600 so that it is not possible.

In other specific embodiments, the control module 226 extracts the speed of the vehicle 100 based on information received from a vehicle network, eg, the vehicle network system 236 ( FIG. 2B ) and controls the speed of the display unit 151 . selectively disable one or more parts. For example, all touch gesture commands may be disabled if the control module 226 determines that the vehicle speed is above a threshold speed. When the control module 226 determines that the speed of the vehicle 100 is below the threshold speed, the control module 226 may enable the overall operation of the display unit 151 , for example on the display screen 600 . One or more of the displayed widgets may be changed.

In further particular embodiments, display of icons and/or widgets on display screen 600 may include static vehicle information such as vehicle type (eg, forklift vs stock picker), vehicle model, etc., and/or completion of a task. may be customized based on one or more operator-based metrics, such as current level (eg, percentage of picks per shift), operator skill or performance level, level of precise vehicle operation or environmental behaviors, and the like. For example, less skilled operators may benefit from a constant display of icons and/or widgets corresponding to steer wheel/direction of travel 730B and vehicle speed 750 , while more skilled operators may use different vehicle motions. You may want to monitor fields and systems. These features help ensure that the display screen 600 presents appropriate and useful information to each individual vehicle operator.

7A-7I , various features of widgets will be described in detail. Although reference is made to elements and features of specific icons and widgets, such as RHS icon 730A, 730A' and CDM and RHS widgets 740, 760, those skilled in the art will appreciate the described element. It will be understood that the features and features are not limited to these specific icons and/or widgets. Also, labeling of some elements in the drawings is omitted for clarity.

As shown in FIG. 7A , the CDM widget 740 provides a numerical indication 747 of the current position of the carrier assembly ( 144 in FIG. 1A ), eg, the current fork height (“4 in”), and the currently sensed or may include a visual representation 744 corresponding to the forks (eg, 156A, 156B in FIG. 1A ), including the detected load weight 748 (“0 1bs”). The current fork height may also be indicated by the position of the pointer 749 along the scale 742 , which may for example correspond to a plurality of height increments from 0 inches to the maximum lift height relative to the vehicle 100 . may include tick marks (not separately labeled) of CDM widget 740 also includes a fork tilt indicator 745 and a fork centering indicator 746 . Fork tilt indicator 745 in FIG. 7A indicates that the forks are currently flat, while fork tilt indicator 745' in FIG. 7G indicates that the tips of the forks are tilted upward. Fork tilt indicator 745 may similarly indicate that the tips of the forks are tilted down (not shown). The fork centering indicator 746 may indicate that the forks are positioned to the left or right of the centerline of the vehicle 100 (not shown).

Data related to detected load weight and current fork height, tilt, and/or centering may be obtained as described herein and provided to CDM widget 740 for display. For example, the processor of the control module 226 may traverse the vehicle network system 236 , via the monitoring I/O module 230 , or a combination thereof ( FIG. 2B ), through one or more vehicle control modules, a sensor and the like (eg, 232 ). After extraction of the relevant information by the processor of the control module 226 , the CDM widget 740 provides visual representations corresponding to each parameter.

As shown in FIG. 7B , the RHS feature of vehicle 100 has been turned on or activated via RHS icon 730A′, as indicated by underline 735 and/or other visual indicators. RHS icon 730A' may be controlled using touch gesture commands, using one or more of control elements 164A- 164F in vehicle operator control section 310 (FIG. 3), or rotary control as described herein. It may be activated using one or more of the physical control elements in control panel 126 (FIG. 1B), such as knob 162 (FIG. 1B) or a trigger switch (not shown). For example, the operator uses the up, down, right, and left buttons 164A-164D to navigate to the RHS icon 730A (FIG. 7A) and activates the RHS icon 730A' (FIG. 7B). In order to do so, the enter button 164E may be pressed. The operator may similarly turn rotary control knob 162 or 164F right or left to navigate to RHS icon 730A and press rotary control knob 162 or 164F to activate RHS icon 730A'. . When control elements 164A - 164F and/or rotary control knobs 162 , 164F are used, display screen 600 may display a cursor or current To visually indicate the current location of the selection, it may include a focus area or focus state, such as an outline box or a highlighted background (not shown). As noted above, after the gon icon 730A' is activated, the RHS widget 760 is locked into the locked widget space, eg, the first widget space 606 in FIG. 7B .

The RHS widget 760 may include a first menu portion 761 , a sub-menu portion 762 , and a palette presence indicator 763 , as shown in FIG. 7B . As described herein, the first menu portion 761 displays information related to the option selected from the first menu 764 ( FIG. 7D ), and the sub-menu portion 762 , in the first menu 764 , may be used to display and select additional options corresponding to the selected option. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7B , activation of RHS icon 730A' allows first menu portion 761 to be displayed. In one embodiment, after the RHS icon is activated, the first menu portion is displayed upon activation of the first menu portion by the operator, as noted below. This feature ensures that the operator receives the most relevant information at the correct time with minimal operator input. It also prevents the first menu portion 761 from being inadvertently activated when the RHS function has not been activated through activation of the RHS icon.

The operator may activate the first menu portion 761 using one or more touch gestures and/or one or more control elements in the vehicle operator control section 310 ( FIG. 3 ) or the control panel 126 ( FIG. 1B ) by activating the first menu portion 761 . 1 menu 764 can be accessed. For example, the operator may touch or tap via a touch gesture, eg in the area enclosed by the box with dashed lines around the “Stacker Pallets” at the top of the RHS widget 760 in FIG. 7B . may activate the first menu portion 761 by , or by performing an equivalent function using one or more physical control elements. As an example, to the right of the text (“Stacker Pallets”), an arrow or other visual indication (unlabeled) within the first menu portion 761 indicates that additional options are provided, such as via the first menu 764 , It may indicate that it is available for selection.

As shown in FIG. 7D , the display screen 600 then displays a first menu 764 containing one or more options available for selection. The first menu 764 may be displayed in various formats, such as a list, a sidebar (not shown), or a scroll wheel (not shown). An optional indicator 764a may appear adjacent to the currently selected option, eg, “Stacker Pallets.” In some embodiments, first menu 764 may be displayed within widget 760 , as shown in FIG. 7D . In other embodiments, the first menu 764 may be displayed in a separate window that temporarily overlaps one or more of the widget spaces. For example, as shown in FIG. 7C , the window 770 may be displayed over a portion of the first widget space 606 .

In some embodiments, options included in first menu 764 (also referred to herein as workspace zones menu) include a list of available workspace zones. As described herein, one or more workspace zones may be stored in memory of vehicle 100 . Each zone may correspond to, for example, a particular work site, warehouse, room, or other workspace, or area or portion thereof. Zones may be customized by the vehicle owner or other end user based on the various zone(s) in which vehicle 100 will be used. For example, the number of available zones can be customized, each zone having a zone identifier, eg a name (eg, "stacker Pallets" in FIG. 7B ), number, color, or other identification A feature or a combination thereof may be assigned, which is displayed in a first menu portion 761 (also referred to herein as a zone selection portion). In one particular embodiment, the operator may only activate the zone selection portion 761 if the RHS icon 730A' has been activated. In this embodiment, touching a portion of the zone selection portion 761 does not result in display of the first menu 764 unless the RHS icon 730A has been activated.

In other embodiments (not shown), the options listed in first menu 764 may include parameters or categories rather than zones. In one particular embodiment, the options may include a list of racks designated by type, name, and/or number. For example, the first menu may include: locked rack #1; Portable Rack #1; Locked Rack #2; It may contain a list of racks, such as portable rack #2. Each rack will have corresponding programmed rack heights and may be independent of a zone or location of the rack. In another particular embodiment, the options may include a type of job, such as picking up or clearing.

Referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7D , the operator selects one of the options displayed in the workspace zone menu 764 or selects one from the vehicle operator control section 310 or control panel 126 ( FIG. 1B ). One or more touch gestures and/or one or more physical control elements may be used to change the display of options. For example, the operator may touch or tap on the display screen 600 the name of a desired workspace zone, eg, “freezer,” to select a workspace zone. In some embodiments, workspace zone menu 764 may include additional zones located above and/or below the current display zones. By swiping or sliding a finger along the display screen 600 through the names of the zones or near the indicator 764a, the operator can scroll through the available zones. When the operator makes selections using one or more of the physical control elements, display screen 600 may use a focus area or state (not shown) to visually indicate the current cursor position or current selection. For example, the text “Stacker Pallets” in FIG. 7B may also include, for example, an outline box around the current selection.

After selection of the desired option in workspace zone menu 764 , display screen 600 returns to the display of RHS widget 760 with the newly selected workspace zone. For example, if the operator selects “freezer” from workspace zone menu 764 shown in FIG. 7D , display screen 600 changes to the display depicted in FIG. 7E , where zone selection portion 761' now displays the zone identifier corresponding to the selected "freezer" zone.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 7H , one or more functions of each widget may also be accessed via a general menu 766 , which will be displayed after the operator touches or selects an appropriate portion of the widget (not shown). can The general menu 766 may be within a widget or within another portion of the display screen 600 , such as within the same widget space (as shown) or on a portion of the second widget space 608 (not shown). can be displayed above. The general menu 766 is a multi-function widget, such as “select area” (access first menu 764 ) and “palette present” (access palette present indicator 763 ). It may include one or more options related to . In particular, the general menu 766 for the RHS widget 760 allows the operator to select one of the physical control elements, for example, in the vehicle operator control section 310 ( FIG. 3 ) or the control panel 126 ( FIG. 1B ). When using the above, it can be used to select the desired workspace area. The operator moves the focus area over the outer periphery of the RHS widget 760 shown in FIG. 7B and presses the enter button 164E or pushes the rotary control knob 162 or 164F to display the general menu 766. The operator selects the “Select Zone” option in the same way, and then the display screen 600 lists the zones available in the first menu 764 , as shown in FIG. 7D . The operator can then select the desired workspace zone as described.

Referring to FIG. 7B , a sub-menu portion 762 may be used to select and display additional options corresponding to the option selected in the first menu 764 ( FIG. 7D ). In some embodiments, the additional options may include a plurality of programmed rack heights, and sub-menu portion 762 (also referred to herein as a rack height selection portion) includes a rack height identifier 762a and a plurality of may include one or more of a sidebar 762b including tabs. The rack height selection portion 762 may include, for example, an area enclosed by a box with dashed lines around the tabs and text (“height 3, 85 in”) in FIG. 7B . As described herein, one or more programmed rack heights may be stored in the memory of the vehicle 100 for each workspace zone or rack in the first menu 764 . Each programmed rack height corresponds to a desired height of the carriage assembly 144 (FIG. 1A) and can be customized by the end user. For example, the number of available rack heights and height values can be customized.

The rack height identifier 762a may include information related to the currently displayed rack height, such as a name (“height 3”), number, color, or other identifying characteristic or a combination thereof. As shown in FIG. 7B , a numerically programmed rack height, eg, “85 in,” may optionally be displayed in the rack height identifier 762a in addition to or instead of the name of the selected rack height. Each tab in sidebar 762b corresponds to one programmed rack height. The sidebar 762b has one or more tabs corresponding to one or more programmed rack heights in the workspace area designated in the first menu portion 761 , eg, the “Stacker Palette” as shown in FIGS. 7B and 7G . is defined by The additional options displayed in the rack height selection portion 762 are limited to those available for the particular option selected in the workspace zone menu 764 . For example, when the “Stacker Pallet” region is selected, the additional options available in the rack height selection portion 762 will include only the programmed rack heights for the “Stacker Pallet” region.

When the first menu provides a list of rack names, additional options available for selection in the sub-menu portion may include a plurality of programmed rack heights. Each rack name of the first menu may have a corresponding set of one or more programmed rack heights in the sub-menu portion. For example, locked rack #1 will have a first set of programmed rack heights, and locked rack #2 will have a second set of programmed rack heights, where the first and second sets may be different. can

In some embodiments, the rack height selection portion 762 displays information related to the last rack height selected by the operator. In other embodiments, the rack height selection portion 762 is a default rack height, eg, based on a current position of the fork carriage assembly 144 ( FIG. 1A ) and/or a previous direction of movement of the fork carriage assembly 144 to the next Display information related to the higher or lower available rack height, both of which are detected as described herein. In some embodiments, the visual appearance of cab 762b ′ corresponding to the currently displayed rack height is changed to reflect its selection. For example, as shown in FIG. 7B , tab 762b' is elongated relative to the other tabs in sidebar 762b.

In the illustrated embodiment, the operator uses one or more touch gestures and/or one or more physical control elements in the vehicle operator control section 310 ( FIG. 3 ) or the control panel 126 ( FIG. 1B ) to the sidebar 762b ) to select the programmed rack height. In general, the RHS feature is not available until the RHS icon 730A is activated. When the RHS feature is off, the vehicle moves the carriage assembly 144 to any height upon successive activation of the lifting or lowering action by the operator, eg, through actuation of the corresponding fingertip lever 172 (FIG. 1B). ) (FIG. 1A) can be lowered and raised in either "free" or "RHS-inactive" mode. Thus, when the RHS icon 730A is not activated, the operator may not activate the first menu portion 761 , and may not access the first menu 764 and may not be programmed through the sidebar 762b. You can choose not to choose the rack height. Following activation of RHS icon 730A and selection of a rack height using any of the methods described herein, subsequent activation of a lifting or lowering operation causes carriage assembly 144 to rise or lower to the selected rack height and , it will automatically stop at that.

In one embodiment, the operator may select a desired rack height using one or more touch gestures. For example, the operator can scroll through the tabs in the sidebar 762b, so that when each tab is touched, information about the corresponding rack height of that tab is displayed in the rack height identifier 762a. Accordingly, the operator may touch a tab on the sidebar 762b corresponding to the desired rack height or swipe a finger along the tabs and select the tab corresponding to the desired rack height. Releasing the touch of the selected tab in sidebar 762B causes the corresponding programmed rack height to be selected. As shown in FIG. 7G , the operator has selected a fifth programmed rack height, which is reflected in the sidebar 762b by an elongated fifth tab 762b″ corresponding to the fifth programmed rack height. Upon selection of the tab 762b″ corresponding to the desired rack height, one or more additional characteristic(s) related to the visual appearance of the tab 762b′ may be changed. For example, the background color or pattern of the tabs 762b″ can be changed as shown in Figure 7G. After the desired programmed height has been selected, the carriage assembly 144 can be operated by the operator on the corresponding fingertip lever ( 172) (FIG. 1B) or successive activation of a lifting or lowering action through use of a multifunction control handle (not shown) will lift or lower to the selected rack height.

In other embodiments, the rack height identifier 762a allows the operator to scroll through the available programmed rack heights by swiping or sliding his finger up or down along the text displayed in the rack height identifier 762a. allow The scroll wheel can wrap around and repeat when the operator reaches the last option at the top or bottom of the list. The scroll wheel defines a sub-menu that provides a list of programmed rack heights corresponding to the workspace area specified in the first menu portion 761 , in FIG. 7B , the “Stacker Palette” area. In one embodiment, only a single programmed rack height is visible at any given time in the rack height identifier scroll wheel. In other embodiments, two or more programmed rack heights are visible on a rack height identifier scroll wheel (not shown).

In further embodiments, the operator may use one or more physical control elements located in the vehicle operator control section 310 ( FIG. 3 ) to achieve the same functions. For example, the operator may use right or left directional buttons 164B, 164C to navigate to sidebar 762b and up or down directional buttons 164A, 164D to navigate through the tabs. can be used The operator may press the enter button 164E to select one of the taps.

In further embodiments, the operator may use one or more physical control elements located on the control panel 126 ( FIG. 1B ) to select the rack height. For example, with "height 2" displayed on rack height identifier 762a, and a second elongated tab, the operator once provided on control panel 126 to select third tab 762b'. A trigger switch (not shown) can be actuated, after which the visual appearance of tab 762b' changes to reflect its selection (shown as elongated in FIG. 7B). The operator can toggle to “height 4” (not shown) by actuating the trigger again, and to “height 5” (see FIG. 7G ) by actuating the trigger a third time. Upon each actuation of the trigger switch, the rack height identifier 762a displays the next available rack height, the rack height comprising the selected rack height unless the trigger switch is actuated again, and the visual appearance of the corresponding tab 762b'. is changed to reflect its selection. To select a programmed rack height that is less than the currently displayed height, eg "height 2" (not shown), the operator actuates the trigger until the top of the list of programmed rack heights is reached, after which the list is Wrap around and the operator can begin toggling over the list from the lowest programmed rack height until the desired height is reached. After the desired programmed height has been selected, carriage assembly 144 will raise or lower to the selected rack height upon successive activations of lifting or lowering by the operator.

In further embodiments, a trigger switch may be provided on the multifunction control handle and when the RHS icon 730A is activated but no programmed height is selected, the display screen 600 may display the RHS widget 760 . . During lifting or lowering of carriage assembly 144 via the multifunction control handle, the height shown on the display screen will automatically change to the next available programmed rack height. As the carriage assembly 144 moves, the operator can select the next available programmed rack height and the carriage assembly 144 will stop at the selected rack height. For example, after activation of RHS icon 730A' and selection of the "Stacker Pallet" area, the operator first initiates an unevenly programmed rack height lifting operation. During a continuous lifting operation and while the carriage assembly 144 is between racks, the operator operates a trigger switch (not shown) when the operator wants the carriage assembly 144 to stop at the next available programmed rack height. and the carriage assembly 144 will stop at the next available programmed rack height, eg, the fifth programmed height in FIG. 7G.

In all embodiments, first menu 764, first menu portion 761 and options and/or sub-menu portion 762 (rack height identifier 762a and sidebar 762b) contained therein The visual appearance of one or more portions of the visual depiction (including one or more of In some embodiments, each option in first menu 764 may have a different color and may be color-coded, the item displayed in first menu portion 761 and/or sub-menu menu portion 762 . One or more of these may include the same color associated with the corresponding option in the first menu 764 .

For example, as shown in FIGS. 7B and 7E , a zone selection portion 761, eg lines 761a, 761a' below the zone identifier, and an arrow to the right of the text in the zone selection portion (unlabeled) ) may correspond to a color assigned to the currently selected workspace area. One or more additional properties of the zone selection portion 761 may also be color-coded, such as the text of the zone identifier, a background area, etc. (not shown). Each zone can be associated with a different color to allow the operator to quickly and easily identify and select a desired workspace zone. These assigned colors may also be reflected in the visual appearance of options included in workspace zone menu 764 ( FIG. 7D ), such as the names of zones, the lines under each zone (unlabeled), etc. there is. Further, the color of one or more portions of the visual depiction of rack height selection portion 762 , including rack height identifier 762a and/or sidebar 762b , may correspond to a color assigned to the selected region. For example, the color of the text displayed in the rack height identifiers 762, 762a' and the color of the elongated tab 762b' may correspond to the assigned color of the selected area.

In some embodiments, the visual appearance of one or more portions of CDM widget 750 and/or RHS widget 760 may also change to indicate that carriage assembly 144 ( FIG. 1A ) has arrived at a selected rack height. there is. For example, one or more of the color, thickness, etc., of the outline 765 ( FIG. 7G ) of the RHS widget 760 provides a visual confirmation to the operator that the carriage assembly 144 has reached the desired/selected programmed rack height. can be changed to provide In FIG. 7G , outline 765 is shown with carriage assembly 144 darker and increased thickness or width to indicate its name to the operator at a selected height of 129 inches, height 5 . In other embodiments, an audible tone may sound as the carriage assembly 144 passes through each programmed rack height and an audible tone or message may sound to indicate that the carriage assembly 144 has reached the selected rack height. can These features provide the operator with confirmation that the selected function has been successfully executed and that the vehicle 100 is ready for the next operation, eg the carriage assembly 144 is in the expected position. In addition to audible confirmations, changes in outline 765 of RHS widgets 760 provide confirmations that can be observed with a quick glance, which reduces operator inattention and provides enhanced usability.

Also, in some embodiments, the display of the CDM widget 740 and/or a portion of the RHS widget 760 may change in real time as the carriage assembly 144 is raised or lowered. Movement of carriage assembly 144 is caused by corresponding upward or downward movement of forks 744 and point 749 along scale 742 and in numerical indication 747 of rack height in CDM widget 740 . may be indicated by a corresponding increase or decrease in Further, if a programmed rack height has not been selected by the user prior to movement of the carriage assembly 144, the information displayed in the rack height selection portion 762 may change as the forks reach their respective programmed rack heights. . Referring to FIG. 7G , after selection of “height 5”, the operator activates a continuous lifting motion to raise the carriage assembly 144 upwards towards a corresponding programmed rack height of 129 inches. This movement of the carriage assembly 144, as shown in FIG. 7G, follows the actual movement of the carriage assembly 144 in real time, in real time, the CDM widget 740 to a new position corresponding to a programmed height of "129 in". ) by upward movement of the forks 744 and pointer 729 along the scale 742 in If a programmed rack height is not selected prior to movement of carriage assembly 144, but instead is selected via a trigger switch on the multifunction control handle during movement of carriage assembly 144, displayed in rack height identifier 762a The designation of the specified rack height (eg, “height 3”, “height 4”, etc.) and the numerical rack height (eg, “94 in”, “109 in”, etc.) It can change as the rack height is reached. The positions of the elongated tabs 762b', 762b" may also change as the carriage assembly reaches their respective programmed rack heights.

The real-time display feature may be particularly helpful in embodiments where the operator selects a programmed rack height during a lifting or lowering operation. For example, during lifting and lowering operations, display information in the rack height selection portion 762 of the RHS widget 760 may indicate that the operator can, for example, select a trigger switch (not shown) to select an upcoming programmed rack height. indicates the next available programmed rack height to operate The operator also has the forks 744 along the scale 742 and the numerical indication 747 shown in the CDM widget 740 to measure the current position of the carriage assembly 144 and its proximity to the next programmed rack height. location can be used.

As illustrated herein, it may be used in conjunction with the rack height selection feature, however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the two features can be used independently. The combined use of the two features helps to eliminate confusion between similar, but slightly different, programmed rack heights that may exist in different workspace zones. For example, in a large warehouse, different areas may contain rack heights that are only a few inches apart. In the absence of zones, it can be difficult for an operator to easily determine whether the forks have been raised to the correct height. The combined use of the two features also reduces the number of programmed rack heights the operator has to navigate. For example, a vehicle 100 used in several locations may store a number of programmed rack heights. Without zones, the operator has to navigate across all of the available rack heights, which adds time and difficulty to the selection process and reduces operator productivity, especially in environments that require gloved operation. For embodiments in which a trigger switch is provided and used, having corresponding programmed heights defined for separate workspace zones causes the operator to only have corresponding programmed heights in the selected workspace zone in which the operator is operating. is provided, making the use of the trigger switch during the lifting motion more useful.

The palette presence indicator 763 will now be described in greater detail. As shown in FIG. 7B , the pallet presence indicator 763 includes a load presence indicator 763a and a load weight indicator 763b , eg, detected on the forks 156A ( FIG. 1A ). Provides a visual indication of the presence or absence of a load. The palette presence indicator 763 may be displayed within the RHS widget 760 , as shown in FIG. 7B . Alternatively, the palette presence indicator 763 may be implemented as a separate widget and/or icon (not shown). One or more sensors 232 ( FIG. 2B ), such as a pressure transducer in a hydraulic cylinder (not shown) of load handling assembly 140 ( FIG. 1A ), measure the weight of load 116 on forks 156A. can detect The control module 226 extracts information received from the sensor(s) from the monitoring input/output (I/O) module 230 ( FIG. 2B ) and displays it on the display screen 600 via the palette presence indicator 763 . This information is provided for the display of

As shown in FIG. 7B , when no load is detected, the load presence indicator 763a includes a dashed outline of the box, and the load weight indicator 763b contains text (“empty”). Display a notification, such as displaying Also, when no load is detected, the currently detected load weight 748 in the CDM widget 740 may also display “0 lbs”.

7F and 7G , a load of 2,300 pounds is detected, as reflected in the pallet presence indicator 763 ′. Load presence indicator 763a' includes a solid box, and load weight indicator 763b' includes a display of "2300" to reflect the presence of a detected load weighing 2,300 pounds. Current load weight 748' in CDM widget 740 has also been changed to display "2300 lbs". As also shown in Figures 7f and 7g, the RHS feature can be used in conjunction with the load offset feature. For example, upon detection of a load on the forks, the load offset feature causes the fork carriage to stop at a slightly higher point (compared to unloaded forks). This height difference may be reflected in the programmed height displayed in the rack height identifier 762 . For example, the numerically programmed rack height displayed in rack height identifier 762a for “height 3” reflects the increased height required to ensure that a load, eg, a pallet, and loaded forks will empty the rack. to "94 in." (detected load of 2,300 pounds) in rack height identifier 762a' in FIG. 7F from "85 in." in FIG. 7B (no load). Also, the numerically programmed rack height for "height 5" may be "120 in." for unloaded forks (not shown), but since a 2,300 pound load is detected, the rack height identifier 762a displays the programmed rack height of "129 in.", as shown in FIG. 7G.

However, some loads (typically <500 pounds) may be too light for automatic detection by one or more pressure sensors, causing control module 226 ( FIG. 2B ) to incorrectly indicate the absence of a detected load. As discussed herein, when a load is not properly sensed, the programmed rack height is not adjusted to accommodate the loaded forks, and one or more of the vehicle's features may not function properly. In these situations, the palette presence indicator 763 includes an override function that allows the operator to manually indicate the presence of a load by activating a portion of the palette presence indicator 763 . For example, when the operator knows that the load 116 is present on the forks 156A ( FIG. 1A ) but the pallet presence indicator 763 incorrectly indicates the absence of the load ( FIG. 7B ), the operation A ruler may activate the ignore function by touching, tapping, clicking, or otherwise activating the palette presence indicator 763 . In some embodiments, the portion of display screen 600 corresponding to palette presence indicator 763 , eg, an area surrounded by an oval shape, may include a touch-sensitive area or “button”.

As shown in FIG. 7I , the ignore function has been activated by the operator, for example, by defining the palette presence indicator 763 in FIG. 7B or otherwise touching and releasing an area on the screen that activates it. . One or more properties of the palette presence indicator 763″ may change to reflect activation of the override function. For example, the background color and/or pattern within the palette presence indicator may change as shown in FIG. 7I . Also, the load present indicator 763a" includes a solid box, and the load weight indicator 763b" displays a notification such as "Loaded" to reflect that the override function has been activated. The programmed rack height displayed in rack height identifier 762a' is also updated to 94 in. to ensure that the loaded forks empty the rack. In some embodiments, the pallet presence indicator 763" indicates the load If is not detected, it will be reset to "empty" (FIG. 7B) when the fork carriage reaches the programmed rack height. When a load is detected (eg, as shown in FIGS. 7F and 7G ), the override function may be disabled, and the pallet presence indicator 763 ″ is “empty” only when no weight is detected. (Fig. 7b) will be reset.

7F and 7G, several additional features of the CDM widget 740 will be described in detail. In addition to providing information about the detected load weight and the current fork height, tilt, and centering, the CDM widget 740 may also provide a visual indicator of the maximum lift height based on the detected load. When a load 116 is present on the forks 156A, 156B (FIG. 1A), the vehicle 100 typically has the maximum lift that the carriage assembly 144 (FIG. 1A) must climb for the weight of that particular load. have a height Control module 226 ( FIG. 2B ) may determine the maximum lift height for the load based on various parameters, such as the vehicle's maximum lift height, the vehicle's maximum lift weight capability, the current fork tilt, and the like. As shown with dashed lines, a portion of scale 742, eg, regions 742a, 742b, may be color-coded to provide a visual indication of lift limits.

When no load is detected or the detected load does not require any lift height restrictions, both regions 742a and 742b of scale 742 ensure that all lift heights are within the lift capacity of vehicle 100 . A uniform, default color, such as green (not shown), may be included to provide the operator with a very visible indication that there is. In some embodiments, CDM widget 740 may include an indicator (not shown) indicating a percentage of capacity, eg, an indication that carriage assembly 144 has risen to 80% of the determined maximum lift height. .

Upon detection of a load requiring a lift height limit, the control module 226 ( FIG. 2B ) may change the color of one or more portions of the CDM widget 740 , where the color(s) is the maximum lift for that load. Provides a visual indicator of the height to the operator. For example, as shown in FIGS. 7F and 7G , a load of 2,300 pounds is detected, which in the illustrated embodiment requires lift height restrictions. A portion, eg, region 742a , of scale 742 may remain green, eg, to indicate that lift heights within this region are within the lift capacity of vehicle 100 . Another portion of scale 742 , eg region 742b , is yellow to provide an operator with a highly visible indication that lift heights within region 742b of scale 742 exceed the lift capacity of vehicle 100 . or to another color, such as red (not shown). In some embodiments (not shown), the color of one or more portions of the visual representation corresponding to forks 744 and/or pointer 749 also indicates that forks 156A are within the lift capacity of vehicle 100 . or may vary based on whether it is at a lift height that exceeds the lift capacity of vehicle 100 . In other embodiments, the control module 226 ( FIG. 2B ) may limit or limit the operation of the vehicle 100 , such as vehicle speed and acceleration. In further embodiments, a numerical indication of maximum lift height (not shown) may be located on scale 742 , eg, at the junction between regions 742a and 742b.

When the detected load weight exceeds the maximum lift capacity of the vehicle 100 , the full scale 742 , including areas 742a and 742b , is a very visible indication that the current load should not be lifted to any height. may include different uniform colors, such as red (not shown), to provide the operator with In such a situation, the control module 226 may allow very limited movement of the vehicle 100 , eg, at a speed below a certain threshold or beyond a predetermined distance, and selectively completely control the operation of the vehicle 100 . can be disabled

In some embodiments, a color-coded message (not shown) may indicate, for example, that a determined maximum lift height for a detected load has been exceeded, the detected load exceeds a determined maximum lift capacity of the vehicle, and/or Alternatively, it may be displayed on the display screen 600 to notify or warn the operator that the forks 156A ( FIG. 1A ) are near the determined maximum lift height. In other embodiments, the control module 226, upon detection of one or more of the above conditions, may be configured to issue one or more audible and/or visual warnings, such as an audible alert, audible tones, flashing lights on the display screen 600 or vehicle, etc. can be triggered In all embodiments, when lift height restrictions exist, an audible tone or message may sound when the carriage assembly 144 reaches its maximum height and/or when the height of the carriage assembly 144 exceeds the maximum height. .

8-11 are flow diagrams illustrating computer-implemented processes for defining and controlling the display of one or more items on a screen display of a display and processing device, eg, display and processing unit 151 . Computer-implemented processes include, for example, computer-readable hardware (eg, computer-readable hardware (eg, , computer-readable hardware memory, computer-readable storage media, etc.). For example, the processes illustrated in FIGS. 8-11 may be executed by the control module 226 ( FIG. 2B ). In this regard, the flowcharts depicted in FIGS. 8-11 each outline algorithms executed by the processor.

8 is a flow diagram illustrating a computer-implemented process 800 for defining and controlling the display of a plurality of items, eg, widgets, on a screen display. The process starts at step 810 in which the processor defines a plurality of widgets through execution of an application program corresponding to each widget. Each widget includes a visual representation of the current state of the associated function of the industrial vehicle. In step 820, the processor controls display of a subset of the plurality of widgets on a portion of the screen display defining a plurality of widget spaces, and in step 830, the processor controls the display of an icon tray on the screen display including one or more icons control the display of , wherein each of the one or more icons may be defined through execution of a corresponding application program. At least one of the icons corresponds to each one of the plurality of widgets. 8 , the process detects activation of one icon corresponding to one widget by the processor, and in response to detecting activation of one icon, in step 850 each in the locked widget space Step 840 of locking one widget in place may continue.

9 is a flow diagram illustrating a computer-implemented process 900 for defining and controlling the display of one or more items, eg, widgets, on a screen display. The process begins at step 910 where the processor defines one or more widgets. Each widget includes a visual representation of the current state of the associated function of the industrial vehicle. In step 920, the processor controls the display of at least one of the one or more widgets on a portion of the screen display defining one or more widget spaces, and in step 930, the processor controls the display of at least one of the one or more widgets on the screen display including one or more icons. Controls the display of the icon tray. At least one of the icons corresponds to each one of the one or more widgets. The processor detects in step 940 activation of one icon corresponding to the one widget, and in response to detecting activation of the one icon, causes a first menu portion of the one widget to be displayed in step 950 . allow In step 960, the processor controls the display of a first menu associated with one widget.

10 is a flow diagram illustrating a computer-implemented process 1000 for defining and controlling the display of one or more items on a screen display. The process begins at step 1010 in which the processor defines one or more widgets. Each widget includes a visual representation of the current state of the associated function of the industrial vehicle. In step 1020 , the processor controls display of a Select Rack Height (RHS) widget on a portion of the screen display that has defined one or more widget spaces. The RHS widget contains parts, eg outlines, that change state when the associated vehicle function is completed, eg when the carriage assembly of an industrial vehicle has reached the desired height.

11 is a flow diagram illustrating a computer-implemented process 1100 for defining and controlling the display of a plurality of items on a screen display. The process begins at step 1110 where the processor defines a plurality of widgets. Each widget includes a visual representation of the current state of the associated function of the industrial vehicle. In step 1120, the processor controls display of a subset of the plurality of widgets on a portion of the screen display defining a plurality of widget spaces, and in step 1130, the processor controls the display of an icon tray on the screen display including one or more icons. control the display of At least one of the icons corresponds to each one of the plurality of widgets. The processor detects in step 1140 activation of one icon corresponding to one widget, and in response to detecting activation of the one icon, in step 1150 , each one widget into a predefined widget space move to In step 1160, the processor moves one widget each from the predefined widget space in response to an operator command to move the widget away from the predefined widget space, and in step 1170, the processor is configured to operate the vehicle. Moves one widget back to the predefined widget space in response to the associated command.

In addition to, or instead of, the use of one or more touch gestures or physical control elements in the vehicle operator control section 310 ( FIG. 3 ) or control panel 126 ( FIG. 1B ), the operator operates a voice control system (not shown) can be used to make one or more selections, examples of which are more fully described in US Pat. No. 7,017,689, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The operator may be equipped with a headset (not shown), and/or a display unit 151 or a portion of the control panel 126 may include a microphone (not shown). The voice control system is programmed to receive and recognize one or more predetermined verbal commands from the operator. The vehicle control system then sends, for example, the display unit 151 ( FIG. 3 ) and/or the appropriate output commands to control the operation of the vehicle 100 , the control module 226 and/or one or more Each verbal command is converted into a signal for processing by the control modules or controllers 238 (FIG. 2B).

For example, receipt of a verbal command (activate RHS icon or activate RHS widget) activates RHS icon 730A and uses one or more touch gestures or physical control elements, as described herein, to activate RHS icon 730A. Upon activation of , the RHS widget 760 ( FIG. 7B ) may be moved to a predefined widget space in a similar manner to the movement of the RHS widget 760 . Verbal commands (select zone or select rack height) are each, zone selection portion of RHS widget 760, in a manner similar to activation or display after use of one or more touch gestures or physical control elements, as described herein. 761 or may activate the rack height selection portion 762 or cause its display.

Referring now to FIG. 12 , a schematic block diagram illustrates a representative computer system 800 for implementing the control module 226 of FIG. 2B . Representative computer system 800 includes one or more (hardware) microprocessors 810 coupled to system bus 830 and corresponding (hardware) memory 820 (eg, random access memory and/or read-only memory). includes Information may be passed between the system bus 830 and optional data bus 850 by an appropriate bridge 840 . Data bus 850 includes storage device 860 (eg, a solid state hard disk drive); removable media storage device(s) 870 (eg, flash drives, etc.); I/O devices 880 (eg, a graphical user interface module of service module 220 of FIG. 2B , a universal serial bus (USB) interface, etc.); and one or more adapters 890 , such as one or more microprocessors 810 and peripherals. Adapters 890 , when provided, allow microprocessor 810 to communicate across one or more of the vehicle network systems (eg, 236 in FIG. 2B ). In this regard, example adapters 890 may include Bluetooth ^® , Ethernet, CAN bus, RS422, LIN bus, WiFi, cellular, and the like.

This list of peripheral devices is provided by way of example and is not intended to be limiting. Other peripheral devices may be suitably incorporated into computer system 800 . Memory 820 , storage device 860 , removable media removable media insertable into storage device 870 , or combinations thereof, implement the methods, configurations, interfaces and other aspects presented and described herein. can be used to

Microprocessor(s) 810 controls the operation of representative computer system 800 . In addition, one or more of the microprocessor(s) 810 execute computer readable code that instructs the microprocessor(s) 810 to implement the methods and processes herein. The computer readable code may include, for example, memory 820 , storage device 860 , removable media storage device(s) 870 , or other suitable type of memory accessible by microprocessor(s) 810 . It may be stored in a storage medium. Memory 820 may also serve, for example, as a working memory for storing data, an operating system, or the like.

The methods and processes herein may be performed on a computer system, eg, one or more generic or specific computing devices, such as the processing devices 202 of FIGS. 2A and 2B , on the system 800 of FIG. 12 , or a combination thereof. may be implemented as a machine-executable method executed on In this regard, the methods and processes herein may be implemented on a computer-readable storage device (eg, computer-readable storage hardware) that stores machine-executable program code, wherein the program code comprises: Instructs the processor to implement the described method/process. The methods and processes herein may also be executed by a processor coupled to a memory, wherein the processor is programmed by program code stored in the memory to perform the described method.

The computer program code for executing the operations for any aspect or embodiment of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. The program code may be fully or partially executable on the computer system 800 . In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the computer system 800 via any type of network connection, such as using a network adapter 890 of the computer system 800 . Any combination of computer-readable media may be used when implementing the computer aspects of the present disclosure. The computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable signal medium, a computer-readable storage medium, or a combination thereof. Moreover, a computer-readable storage medium may actually be embodied as one or more separate media.

A computer-readable storage medium is a tangible type that can hold and store a program (instructions) for use by or with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer or other processing device more fully presented herein. of device/hardware. In particular, computer-readable storage media does not include computer-readable signal media. Thus, as used herein, computer-readable storage medium is not to be interpreted as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves over transmission media. Specific examples of computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to: hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory , or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In particular, computer-readable storage media includes computer-readable storage devices, eg, computer-readable hardware such as memory. As used herein, computer-readable storage device and computer-readable hardware are non-transitory physical, tangible implementations.

In contrast to the transitory propagated signal itself, which, by non-transitory nature, will cease to exist naturally, the contents of a computer-readable storage device or computer-readable hardware defining the claimed subject matter until actuated by an external action. lasts For example, program code loaded into random access memory (RAM) is considered non-transitory in the sense that it will persist until the content is acted upon, eg, by removing power, by overwriting, erasing, modifying, etc. Furthermore, hardware does not include software itself, as hardware includes the physical element(s) or component(s) of the corresponding computer system. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to also include plural forms, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Terms (“comprises” and/or “comprising”), when used herein, specify the presence of the described features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but It will be further understood that this does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, acts, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or merely limited to the embodiments in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Accordingly, when the invention of the present application is described in detail and with reference to embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

100: industrial vehicle 112: power unit
114: frame 120: wheel
122: Khan 124: Knob
126: control panel 128: operator's seat
130: overhead guard 138: console
140: load handling assembly 142: mast assembly
144: carriage assembly 146: locked mast member
148, 150: movable mast member 151: display unit
152: display 154: fork carriage assembly
156A, 156B: fork 162: rotary control knob
164: 5-button keypad 170: armrest
172: fingertip lever 200: computer system
202: processing device 204: network
206: networking component 210: access point
212: hardware server 214: analysis engine
216: data source 218: main module
220: service module 222: transceiver
226: control module 228: vehicle power enable circuit
230: monitoring input/output module 234: third-party device
236: vehicle network system 240: fob reader
304: housing 308: display section
310: vehicle operator control section 402: GUI controller module
404: user management module 406: system management module
408: vehicle management module 410: language format module
412: communication module 414: message system module
416: dashboard module 418: I/O module
600: display screen 602: menu selection section
604: docked state tray 606: first widget space
608: second widget space 610: widget placeholder
720: identifier 730: system status icon
740: CDM widget 742: scale
744: fork 745: fork tilt indicator
746: fork centering indicator 750: speedometer widget
760: RHS widget 763: palette presence indicator
764: workspace area menu 770: window
800: computer system 810: microprocessor
820: memory 830: system bus
840: bridge 850: data bus
860: storage device 870: removable media storage device
880: I/O device 890: adapter

Claims (25)

A processing device comprising a graphical user interface in an industrial vehicle, comprising:
screen display;
a memory storing executable instructions; and
a processor in communication with the memory;
When the processor executes the executable instructions:
define one or more widgets, each comprising a visual representation of a current state of an associated function of the industrial vehicle;
Controlling the display of a rack height select (RHS) widget on a portion of the screen display defining one or more widget spaces, the RHS widget including an outline, wherein at least one of a color or a thickness of the outline is A processing device comprising a carriage assembly that changes state when an associated vehicle function is completed, the associated vehicle function reaching a desired height. The method of claim 1 , wherein the processor when executing the executable instructions:
and control display of an icon tray on the screen display comprising one or more icons, wherein at least one of the one or more icons corresponds to a respective one of the one or more widgets. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the processor when executing the executable instructions:
defining the icon tray as a separate part of the screen display from the one or more widget spaces;
and the icon tray is spaced apart from the one or more widget spaces. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the processor when executing the executable instructions:
upon activation of an icon corresponding to each of the one widget, locking one of the one or more widgets at a location within a locked widget space. 5. The method of claim 4,
wherein each one widget is an RHS widget. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the processor when executing the executable instructions:
define a plurality of widgets and a plurality of widget spaces;
detecting activation of the one icon corresponding to each of the one widget;
In response to detecting the activation:
automatically moving the one widget each into the locked widget space;
A processing device that shifts the remaining one or more widgets in the subset into the one or more remaining widget spaces. 3. The method of claim 2,
When the processor executes the executable instructions:
upon activation of one icon corresponding to each of the one widget, moving one of the one or more widgets to a predefined widget space. 8. The method of claim 7,
wherein each one widget is an RHS widget. The method of claim 1,
the screen display comprises a touch screen display for receiving touch gesture commands from a vehicle operator;
When the processor executes the executable instructions:
shift the position of the one or more widgets on the touch screen display upon detection of a touch gesture on the touch screen display. The method of claim 1 , wherein when the processor executes the executable instructions:
When a widget is displayed in one of the one or more widget spaces on the screen display and a first menu portion of the one widget is activated by a vehicle operator, the first widget associated with the one of the one or more widgets 1 A processing device that controls the display of a menu. 11. The method of claim 10,
the screen display comprises a touch screen display for receiving touch gesture commands from the vehicle operator;
the first menu includes a list, a sidebar, or a scroll wheel;
The display of options in the first menu is changed by one of a tap gesture, a swipe gesture, or a slide gesture on the touch screen display, wherein the options in the first menu are color-coded to a different color. ), processing device. 11. The method of claim 10:
the screen display comprises a touch screen display for receiving touch gesture commands from the vehicle operator;
and the first menu portion of the one widget is activated by the vehicle operator touching or selecting the first menu portion. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the processor, when executing the executable instructions:
define a plurality of sub-menus, each sub-menu corresponding to a particular option in the first menu;
one sub-menu is displayed on the screen display after a corresponding option in the first menu is selected. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the processor when executing the executable instructions:
color coding at least a portion of the one sub-menu using the same color associated with a corresponding option in the first menu. 14. The method of claim 13,
wherein one or more of the first menu or the sub-menus is displayed within the one widget. 14. The method of claim 13,
wherein the first menu or one or more of the sub-menus is displayed in a separate window that temporarily overlaps one or more of the widget spaces. 14. The method of claim 13,
wherein the one widget is the RHS widget, the RHS widget includes a workspace zone menu defining the first menu, the workspace zone menu comprising a plurality of workspace zones, each workspace zone comprising: and a corresponding sub-menu comprising a plurality of stored rack heights associated with the workspace area. 18. The method of claim 17,
at least a portion of the visual depiction of each workspace zone includes a different color;
and at least a portion of the visual depiction of each corresponding sub-menu comprises the same color as the associated workspace region. The method of claim 1, wherein the RHS widget comprises:
a workspace zone selection portion defining a first menu portion;
a rack height selection portion defining a sub-menu portion; and
A processing device comprising a load presence indicator. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the processor when executing the executable instructions:
Detecting selection of a specific workspace zone and a specific storage rack height associated with the specific workspace zone, wherein after selection of the specific workspace zone and the specific storage rack height:
wherein the workspace zone selection portion includes an identifier of the selected specific workspace zone;
The rack height selection portion includes an identifier of the selected specific storage rack height;
wherein the load presence indicator comprises a visual indication of the presence or absence of a detected load. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the processor when executing the executable instructions:
upon activation of the load presence indicator by vehicle operators, disregarding the indication of the detected absence of load. The method of claim 1,
a vehicle network system for connecting the processor to at least one vehicle network bus, wherein the processor extracts a current position of the carriage assembly and a current sensed load weight;
The processor, when executing the executable instructions:
define a plurality of widgets;
A capacity data monitoring (CDM) widget comprising a current position of the carriage assembly and a visual representation of the currently sensed load weight, defining one of the plurality of widgets. According to claim 1,
a vehicle operator control section comprising one or more physical input control elements;
wherein the one or more physical input control elements are used to make selections on the screen display. 24. The method of claim 23,
wherein the one or more physical input control elements comprise at least one of a five-button control, a trigger switch, or a rotary control knob. The method of claim 1,
the screen display comprises a touch screen display for receiving touch gesture commands from a vehicle operator;
When the processor executes the executable instructions:
determine whether a speed of the industrial vehicle is less than a threshold speed;
and change one or more of the widgets on the touch screen display after detection of a touch gesture on the touch screen display and if the speed of the industrial vehicle is below the threshold speed.

Images